In recent months, Pope Francis has encouraged Christians to embrace a life that seeks the betterment of our communities, especially lifting up the needs of the poor and most vulnerable.
The Roman Catholic tradition has a long and rich history of being on the forefront of advocating for matters of social justice. Guiding principles such as the dignity of life, care for God’s creation, encouraging civic participation and a preferential option for the poor shape how Catholics (and many others) think and act.
“The Church’s social teaching is a rich treasure of wisdom about building a just society and living lives of holiness amidst the challenges of modern society. It offers moral principles and coherent values that are badly needed in our time. In this time of widespread violence and diminished respect for human life and dignity in our country and around the world, the Gospel of Life and the biblical call to justice need to be proclaimed and shared with new clarity, urgency and energy.”
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
In the coming weeks, we will be sharing a series of audio reflections connecting the seven themes of Catholic Social Teaching and the Illuminations of the The Saint John’s Bible. Appropriately, we’ll begin next week with a reflection on the Option for the Poor and Vulnerable and will continue with the six other themes in the following weeks.
Connecting Scripture with the realities of the modern world has always been a fundamental priority for The Saint John’s Bible and all those who have worked to bring the project to life. “God’s commitment to the poor is embedded in Scripture,” said Abbot John Klassen, speaking of his hope that The Saint John’s Bible would speak for the poor and marginalized. “The deeper we are drawn into Scripture, the more we will be driven to address these issues in our lives.”
Our hope is that you’ll join us in reflecting on how we can live our baptismal call through these seven tenets of the Christian faith and that you might share them with your friends, family and coworkers. We look forward to “Illuminating Justice” together.
Peace and all good!