Another thought: Someone who works in the Peace and Justice ministry once made me aware of something which I now try hard to remember: He said that when we refer to people as "the poor," "the homeless," "the disabled," etc., we add insult to injury by "clumping people together" in a LABEL and robbing them of their dignity, their individuality, and their personhood. He suggested instead that we say "persons who are poor," those who are homeless," etc.
Since hearing this from a man I deeply respect, I have tried to be more aware of my own speech. Upon occasion, I come across the labeling demonstrated above when I read the Prayers of the Faithful (the petitions) at Mass, and I make a simple change that -- in my opinion -- helps to restore dignity to persons I haven't even met.
REFLECTIONS:
- What phrase or sentence struck you from today's reading?
- Any ideas on how we can (and do) live in a spirit of poverty in our lives?
The phrase that struck me was at the end of the My day is ending part last night where it said: Francis chose to be poor. And so in the end, must we.
ReplyDeleteMaybe this means different things for persons in different states in life. Still, there is something about the detachment attitude of Saint Francis that is compelling. Not only does our society need to deal with our massive consumerism, I also need to deal with how it affects me, being in and a part of our society! What do I need? What do I want? What can I do without? Much!
Well said, Father Kevin -- especially since "Christmas" has been on display since the beginning of September -- or longer. I think parents have to struggle with issues of poverty -- in terms of: how much is enough for my children? Do they need the latest . . .? Society does not support a parent's attempts to have a well-balanced Christmas experience or to teach children that they do not need everything they want.
ReplyDeleteEven as a woman religious, I struggle with issues of poverty. There are many, many to be RICH.