Building Peace with Justice

Building Peace with Justice is a brief, weekly bulletin reflection written by members of a Public Policy sub-committee of the Diocese of Rochester. It links the Sunday readings to Catholic social teaching. Many parishes publish them as space allows.

For Sunday Bulletins on February 3
Jesus’ teaching turns the “wisdom of the world” upside down! Today’s Gospel reminds us that those who show mercy are blest and will receive mercy ~ peacemakers shall be called sons and daughters of God ~ the lowly will inherit the earth. This stands in stark contrast to the world’s use of torture, the resort to violence and war to settle conflict, and power used for other than good. In their recently released pastoral statement, Faithful Citizenship, our U.S. Catholic Bishops teach, “The Church’s obligation to participate in shaping the moral character of society is a requirement of our faith, a part of the mission given us by Jesus Christ.”

Reflection: How might I/we encourage presidential candidates to integrate the qualities of mercy, peace, and care for the poor/vulnerable into their campaigns?