Circle of Faith: ACTION 1

Once awareness and analysis has occurred, the next step is to ensure that action is taken to allow people to experience the good life that God intended. The reality is that often people are hesitant to ‘act’ or make a change because it can be difficult. Opportunities for Action After asking the question of what relationships need to be built to create life-giving relationships, we must then figure out how to create life-giving relationships. Looking, at the issue of hunger we can consider some of the following actions: 2

The Act of Solidarity Volunteer at the community kitchen Support job training programs Promote the concept of a living wage (versus one that allows the individual to thrive and not simply survive) Demonstrate for more federal or provincial support – particularly job creation and funding 3

The Act of Solidarity The point of seeking justice is to protect and promote human dignity. When we act in solidarity we participate in an ongoing commitment to the good of others. This might mean rejecting ‘charitable donations’ to get the point across that structural change is necessary. Several tons of food distributed to a few hungry families might make the food distributors feel good, but it will not answer the on-going hunger of the families. Often it is necessary to ask why donations are being made… is it to fix the unjust situation or is it to get rid of guilty feelings? Remember the concept of interdependence – we are all connected and the choices that one group makes does affect the other. Solidarity asks people to enter into a life-giving relationship of mutual respect – not tokenism. 4

Acting in Love If we agree that solidarity is the key to overcoming unjust situations, we must also remember that these are the result of human choices. Jesus commands us to not only love our friends and families, but also to love our enemies. The reality is that everyone is invited to be part of the kingdom – even if we despise that person. Therefore our challenge is to love even those who promote injustice. This does not mean choosing justice or love, but rather choosing them both. To challenge the unjust action of our enemies through love is not to defeat them and have power over them, but rather help them to restore their own dignity and that of the people around them. 5

A Model for Acting in Love Mohandas K. Gandhi – the Hindu spiritual leader – took Jesus’ instruction of loving your enemy. Despite the violence by the British against his people, he believed that you must always be non-violent (never harming, the life or dignity of another person) and you can achieve change through passive resistance. Gandhi led strikes, boycotts, and acts of civil disobedience, but without harming any other person. 6

The “Occupy” Movement 99% v 1% - the data behind the Occupy Movement What?! Catholics at Occupy?? 7