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The editors of Commonweal caught my attention! The editorial titled “Advent in a Time of War” pointed to a contradiction I had never thought of
One central problem for Christians now is how to reconcile two of the beatitudes in our lives as citizens—how to be peacemakers while also hungering and thirsting for justice.
In the real world, those seeking peace and those demanding justice often seem to be deeply at odds. To the makers and keepers of peace, the demand for justice may look like an ill-disguised call for vengeance.
Up until then, I thought many people might have problems naming all eight of the beatitudes.
The editor’s description of a central problem of our time raised a question I had never thought of. Did Jesus propose contradictory ideals in one of his most well-known sermons? Their description of one of central problems point to that very question.
Peace maker and/or prophet?
The more I thought about it the more I realized that I know few people who are clearly peacemakers and prophets.
The virtues involved in each seem to be so different.
Usually, one is good at one but not the other. Furthermore, each seems not to appreciate the other. “To the makers and keepers of peace, the demand for justice may look like an ill-disguised call for vengeance.”
The Vincentian “And”
- St. Vincent de Paul (1581-1660): St. Vincent de Paul demonstrated a both/and thinking approach. He emphasized the integration of spirituality and practical charity, working to address the material and spiritual needs of the poor. St. Vincent de Paul recognized the interconnectedness of social justice and personal holiness.
- St. Louise de Marillac (1591-1660): St. Louise de Marillac, co-founder of the Daughters of Charity, also exhibited a both/and thinking approach. She emphasized the importance of serving the poor and marginalized, while recognizing the need for organizational structure and administrative efficiency to effectively carry out charitable works.
- Frederic Ozanam (1813-1853): As the founder of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, Frederic Ozanam displayed both/and thinking. He emphasized the integration of faith and social action, advocating for the spiritual growth of individuals through works of charity and social justice.
- Elizabeth Ann Seton (1774-1821): St. Elizabeth Ann Seton demonstrated a both/and thinking approach. She emphasized the integration of spirituality and education, founding the first Catholic parochial school system in the United States. St. Elizabeth Ann Seton believed in nurturing both the intellectual and spiritual growth of individuals.
Another “both /and” thinker
Pope Leo XIII (1810-1903): Pope Leo XIII’s thinking style reflected both both/and and either/or tendencies. He was known for his encyclical Rerum Novarum, which addressed social and economic justice. Pope Leo XIII recognized the importance of addressing social issues and advocating for workers’ rights while also emphasizing traditional Catholic teachings and the role of the Church in society.
Jesus’ ”challenge”
How are you at recognizing and living the competing values of Jesus’ Beatitudes?
John, there’s another both/and we’d better get better at: charity AND justice. Historically we in the wonderful Vin Family have been champions of charity….but less known for insistence on justice. Systemic change: we must get to the roots of injustice and make charity less needed…justice..
In political spheres called “police states,” so-called “peace” is accomplished by strict adherence to law enforcement (aka “justice”). As the author alluded, so often “justice” takes on the notion of punishment. (“Justice has been served!”) Meanwhile, “charity” has taken on a negative connotation for so many people. (“We don’t want your ‘charity’!”)
Maybe Jesus didn’t want us to rely on words to get his message across. “Caring for one another” might have been the message at the foot-washing at the Last Supper without regard for who did (“justice”?) or didn’t (“charity”?) deserve it.
Lord, our hearts and minds lose the Way sometimes. Have mercy on us,
John, your main point aside, you, Jim and Larry illustrate for me why it’s so decisive that we listen to one another and share each other’s points of view so that we may come to a better and fuller understanding of the truth and of the tasks we have to do in order to contribute to the hastening of the coming of the new heavens and the new earth, in which justice dwells.