Christmas Gifts & Social Justice

(Originally posted December 2010; edited June 2014)

Most of us are launching into our Christmas gift shopping. As we have heard many times in recent years, there are ways to be socially responsible in our gift-giving. For example, we are urged not to buy things that will be quickly used up and then discarded, such as "gag gifts" or cheap trinkets. Instead, think about giving "experiences" (such as theatre or concert tickets) rather than merchandise. Such an approach will enhance the life of the recipient, support local artists, and be kinder to the environment.

       We can also donate to a charity in the name of the other person. Programs such as Catholic Relief Services (http://gifts.crs.org) and Heifer International (www.heifer.org) have "gift catalogs" where you can be such things as shares in promoting peace in southern Sudan or a flock of ducks for a needy family in China.

       In your gift-giving this Christmas, be creative -- and be just! 

Copyright © 2010, Deacon Carl D. Smith. All rights reserved. Reprint permission granted to parishes for use in Sunday bulletins.

Prayers for Peace

The first reading for this first Sunday of Advent contains probably the most famous passage from the prophet Isaiah:

They shall beat their swords into plowshares
and their spears into pruning hooks;
one nation shall not raise the sword against another,
nor shall they train for war again. (Is 2:4NAB)

Peace continues to be a significant matter in today's world, and it increasingly involves religion. Many commentators decry "Islamic terror," and churches, synagogues, and mosques have been targets of attacks. 
       In recognition of all this, Pope Benedict has set the theme for the upcoming World Day of Peace (January 1, 2011) as "Religious Freedom, the Path to Peace." Parishes and families are encouraged to see what they can do to prepare for the World Day of Peace by checking out the resources on the US bishops' web site. The link is http://bit.ly/e8VKH2.
Copyright © 2010, Deacon Carl D. Smith. All rights reserved. Reprint permission granted to parishes for use in Sunday bulletins. (http://bit.ly/16p8ws)
  

Thanksgiving Dinner & Social Justice

As we prepare for our feasts on Thanksgiving Day, it's worth a few minutes of our time to remember those who have little to eat. Hunger is still an issue, both in our neighborhood and around the world. 
       Tomorrow, November 22, the Bread for the World Institute (www.bread.org) is releasing its annual Hunger Report. The 2011 Hunger Report addresses the role of the United States in mobilizing global commitments to increase investments in agriculture, food security, and nutrition in developing countries. It will also include Christian Study Guide offering a variety of activities and Biblical themes to help users reflect on information included in the report. As part of your preparations for the day on which we recall what we are thankful for, please consider reading this report and taking some action to reduce hunger in the world.
       The report will be available on the internet at www.hungerreport.org and available in hard-copy from the same web site. 
Copyright © 2010, Deacon Carl D. Smith. All rights reserved. Reprint permission granted to parishes for use in Sunday bulletins. (http://bit.ly/16p8ws)
  

Saving Farmland & Social Justice

The American Farmland Trust has reported that more than one acre of farmland is being lost every minute in the United States, which adds up to nearly a million acres per year. This land is most often near urban areas and is being used for highways, shopping malls and housing developments. Most of this land is in Texas, California, Florida, Arizona and North Carolina. The American Farmland Trust explains that smart growth strategies, including more efficient development, can help slow the conversion and fragmentation of our farm and ranch land. Visit www.farmland.org and www.farmlandinfo.org for more information.
       Many thanks to JustFaith Ministries for this information!
Copyright © 2010, Deacon Carl D. Smith. All rights reserved. Reprint permission granted to parishes for use in Sunday bulletins. (http://bit.ly/16p8ws)
  

Human Trafficking & Social Justice

A recent press release (http://bit.ly/bjj8PN) from the US bishops is a reminder that chattle slavery has not been wiped off the face of the earth yet, but it does have a new name: human trafficking. Ten years ago, President Clinton signed the Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA) to fight human trafficking operations and to rescue and assist victims of human trafficking in the United States
       Simultaneous with the press release, the Migration & Refugee Services of the US bishops released Reflections:  Health and Human Service’s Service Mechanism for Foreign National Survivors, which provided a reminder that many of the victims of human trafficking are children. There are many other important findings in Reflections; interested parties can read it at http://bit.ly/9SMVAR.
      Finally, the bishops point out that, like so many pieces of Federal legislation, TVPA has to be periodically re-authorized, and it is due for re-authorizing again in 2011. Please watch for opportunities to encourage the newly elected Congress and the President to pass this important piece of social justice legislation.
Copyright © 2010, Deacon Carl D. Smith. All rights reserved. Reprint permission granted to parishes for use in Sunday bulletins. (http://bit.ly/16p8ws)