This past week my wife Ann and I attended the 25th Annual Summer Action Social Action Institute (SASI) sponsored by The
Photo Copyright John M. Kingery 2011
Round Table – Association of Catholic Diocesan Social Action Directors in New Orleans, LA. I was privileged to convene a lunch time discussion – “Justice: A List, A Ladder, A Garment and A Wheel”. I will be sharing my thoughts in the next few posts.
Viewing justice as a list has both strengths and weaknesses.
A list provides a starting point for learning and initial activities. The list provides a focal point when focus is lost by an individual or a group. How many times, do we ask the question – ‘What are we actually hoping to accomplish?’ Lists are a natural way of organizing and teaching.
There are drawbacks to justice as a list. We can become legalistic and linear in our ministry. Justice is achieved by adhering to the list and checking them off as each is completed. Social Justice Ministries can become fragmented as individuals and groups. Individuals who have great passion can become discouraged as they continue to ‘work’ the list, or do not share the interest of others regarding other list items. Group fragmentation arises as individuals coalesce around specific list items. Again, organization and categorization is a human characteristic. This becomes problematic if by seeing Justice as a list, the movement of the Holy Spirit is stifled.
I am closing with following from the Gospel of Matthew 22:36 –
“Teacher, which is commandment of the law, is the greatest?”
In Catholic Social Teaching, the number of themes can vary from seven to over twenty. Can this cause undo confusion and division? Are we missing or adding something?
Do we engage in and encourage others to play the ‘top 10 game’ with justice? Again, can this and does it create competition instead of compassion and cooperation?
Please respond to admjatt@justiceatthetable.com with your thoughts.
In Christ and Peace,
John