Environment

Today's post comes from Catholic Charities USA as part of their 2011 Lenten Reflections.  Employees, board members and volunteers from Catholic Charities write a reflection to the day's readings.


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Today's Readings

"In today's first reading, we see the just attacked and slandered by the wicked; while in the gospel Jesus finds himself also pursued and plotted against. Anyone who speaks out, who calls themselves a "child of the Lord" or censures the thoughts of the evil is condemned.


I think many Catholic Charities agencies could empathize with the attacks being made on the just. The left hates us for our defense of the unborn child; the right hates us because we do believe in the rights and dignity of the human person. Sometimes it feels like one can't even turn around without attacks somewhere either in the press or the blogs. The tone ranges from simply uninformed to viciously malignant.

At Catholic Charities of Pueblo, we have been challenged to take up more of an advocate's role. This is not a natural position for me, and many prefer to work in the background, doing good things quietly. But we are called on to speak out, to condemn budget cuts borne on the backs of the poor, laws inspired by racism and fear that target the immigrant, and in general to step into the fray.

As we celebrate Lent, it is important to recognize that we are not alone, and that this is not a new phenomenon. Those who condemn us do not know the counsels of God. But maybe too it is a call to reach out, to connect with those also struggling to do good and gather our strength."

Joe Mahoney
Executive Director
Catholic Charities, Diocese of Pueblo
jmahoney@pueblocharities.org



To see more reflections from Catholic Charities employees, board members and volunteers, please visit: 
http://www.catholiccharitiesusa.org/NetCommunity/Page.aspx?pid=2320