Soldiers of Conscience

The new change in policy that allows women to serve in combat is a great change. I believe that this updated change will help our country and empower women. Our country is changed and my generation is ready and willing to take on these changes - regarding women's rights, gay rights, etc. Ideally, no I would not like to be drafted into the war. But I would rather be an equal to men and be drafted just as they were, and could possibly be, than to be under them or have less privileges and rights. After watching the documentary, I got a better understanding of how hard it is for humans to kill other humans in combat. These soldiers are trained to think of their enemy as just a number, an animal or just an 'other'. I have trouble killing spiders, an animal not even a human so I would need to be very brainwashed to actually kill another human, especially an innocent human. If it did come down to it and I was drafted into the army I would probably choose to be a conscientious objector because I don't think I would be able to kill others, even for the sake of my country. If I didn't pick an CO, and was drafted and then in combat was unable to shoot or even protect my country, I would feel horrible and would never want to do that to either person fighting alongside me or anyone in my country. My faith is a huge part of my decision. The bible and God directly say that Thou shall not kill. I respect that and agree, killing is horrible. Yet, I greatly admire those who do give their lives to fight and protect our country. I sometimes wish I could be as strong and as willing as they are.

Hotel Rwanda

Yes, I think that Jack was right when he said people would see the destruction and horrific acts being committed yet not act to prevent it. People will feel sorry and wish it wasn't happening but because it is not affecting them directly they will not help. If the tragedy affected people all over the world more and more would be willing to reach out and help. Otherwise, I think the motto and thought process of most people is "if it's not my business I'm not getting involved." I would love to get people to help. But, it will be very hard to get people involved and helping in all of the issues going on in the world because there are so many things that need attention and seek help. If everyone would be committed to every cause and every need I think the would could be improved and some of our issues could be diminished. However, most people do not care about many of the issues and it would be very difficult to convince them to care and help.

Can Forgiveness Play A Role in Criminal Justice?

"Restorative justice" allows victims who feel shut out of the prosecutorial process a way to be heard and participate. This process considers the harm done and strives for an agreement from all the victims concerned in order to make amends.  As an alternative to the traditional criminal justice system, I think that this could be an option. I don't think a mandatory change is necessary, but if all parties involved are connected by more than just the crime, on a personal level for example, then this could very well be an option. I feel as though this process could be realistic if all details are taken into consideration. One must look at the prosecutors needs and wants as well as the family and friends. I'm not sure if this is really keeping with Catholic Social Teaching. It is giving a chance to the people who have committed the crime. On the other hand, I do not want a killer out and about with the chance to kill more victims in a few years if his sentence is short.

Conclave 2013

I'm not exactly sure what kind of man I would like to see elected as pope. Even though I do know of some of the issues and difficulties facing the church leaders now, I do not know all of them nor do I know in depth about the issues themselves. However, if I did have the opportunity, I think I would like to have a man who is open to the changes in the church. Like Mrs. Shevlin said, the church moves, grows and changes in centuries, not years. I think we need a pope that recognizes this and understands that he IS the change in the church we need. A man who is understanding of what the elderly as well as the youth in the church need. 

To all cardinals out there looking to pop-a-squat on the throne - may the odds be ever in your favor!

Lent 2013

During this lent I chose not to 'give something up' or fast, but instead to do something. For the next 6 weeks I am going to be a positive part of society and be sure to always wear a smile on my face and be optimistic about my life and the lives of others around me. By being this positive person I am sure that I will make the lives of the people around me much better and brighter. I know that if I'm having a terrible day and someone I'm not particularly friends with give me a smile and a wave in the hallway, my day will get better. So this lent I am going to be that warm smile and cheerful face we all need to see. 

Roses in December

After watching "Roses in December" I feel that I have a better understand of who S. Ita Ford, S. Maura Clarke, S. Dorothy Kazel and Jean Donovan were and what they did in their lives as missionaries. I understand now that these four woman dedicated their lives to the missionaries and helping people. They risked their lives in El Salvador just to help people they didn't even know. Their courage and dedication is what really stood out to me, especially Jean Donovan. After her return home fro El Salvador she her friends, family and fiancé were all trying to convince her not to return to El Salvador. Jean knew that if she did return, the chances of her dying would be very high, almost impossible for her NOT to die. But there was no convincing her, she returned and was ultimately killed. I agree that every catholic should know these four women or even just be familiar with their story and what they stood for. I think the writer thought this was important because these women have changed the way many look at their lives and the lives of missionaries and those who do dedicate their lives to helping others. I know that I my outlook on service and those in service has changed. These women have motivated me to help, join service teams, and participate in helping improve the lives of others. 

The Mystery of Suffering

After reading this article, "The Mystery of Suffering: How Should I Respond?", I believe that I have a better and fuller understanding of suffering and what it was to Jesus and how he dealt with it. Kenneth R. Overberg's three main points about Jesus and suffering were very interesting. The first point is that Jesus resisted and eliminated suffering. To me, this statement shows that through Jesus' efforts to eliminate suffering he healed others, such as the sick and dying. Through Jesus' heeling power he was able to save some people and truly eliminate suffering for them. Kenneth's second point is that Jesus rejected suffering as punishment for sin.  Often times in life when hard times are upon us, we ask 'why God?' and 'why me?' and then, eventually, turn away from God because we think he has betrayed us. When actually we should be turning to God. In these times of hardships we need to recognize that God is there to help us and he will help us if we let Him. Jesus rejected the idea of suffering for sins and proclaimed that God is here to help us. The third point he makes is that Jesus trusted a compassionate, present God. Jesus not only trusted God, but he gave his entire life for God and for us. Even when Jesus was hanging on the cross is so much pain and suffering, he trusted God and remained faithful to his calling - to die for our sins. For me, sometimes it is always hard to trust God fully, especially times of hardships. Jesus taught about forgiveness and acceptance and trust, so I will continue to follow His words. 

The two traditional interpretations of Jesus' suffering, death, and resurrection are all very different. From the Jewish tradition, The Theology of Atonement and Ransom was based on their experienced sacrifice and their knowledge of ransom. Their sacrifices came from the blood of an animal, something I see as harmful and inhumane but were part of their Jewish tradition. The theology of the incarnation is rooted in the Christian tradition and is an alternative interpretation - something easier for me to understand and relate to. This version tells us that the purpose of incarnation is is creation and that God shares his love and life through this. I prefer the later interpretation because I do not view God as angry and wanting the sacrifice of innocent animals blood. I believe that God is a positive, loving, caretaker that wants his love spread out all over.