Catholic Worker Movement

Honestly, the commitments taken by these people inspire me greatly. However, I do not think I could do them myself. Taking a life of poverty seems extremely difficult and I am not sure I am strong enough to make such commitments; at least not yet in my life. However, they certainly get me thinking differently about my own philosophy of life. Would I have what it takes to make these commitments? I am really not sure. We are not finished the movie "Entertaining Angels", but it really is an inspiring story. The Catholic Church is really so powerful and moving. 

Soldiers of Conscience

I truly believe that if women want to fight in wars, they should be allowed. Fighting for your country should not be a problem based on your gender. This is America and men and women are supposed to be "equal" by now, including in war. A soldier is a soldier. I must say, however, if I was drafted, I would certainly try to get out of it. I love my country, but I do not think I would ever have what it takes to be a soldier and kill someone else. After everything I have learned throughout high school in my religion classes, I do not think my faith would allow me to harm someone else. I just would not be able to do it because of my faith. 

In the Land of Invisible Women

In the hot areas of Yemen, one would never see a woman walking around who would be considered equal to a man. On the occasion that a woman is walking the town, her whole body is covered so that no one would see flesh and she would walk with her head down and in a hurry to not be seen by any one else. A woman's goal in Yemen would be to go unnoticed. These women have no say in their lives, they have no choices. Girls are given to men twice their age, it is truly cruel and unfair. While living in the United States, sometimes I forget that other cultures have absolutely no respect for women. I feel so lucky to have the rights, as a woman, that I have in America. It makes me angry and upset to think that these woman have no idea what it is like to be truly free. 

Hotel Rwanda

I believe that Jack was completely correct. I think people are so indifferent to the horrible tragedies on the news because these things are so common in the world today. It is a terrible, yet honest, truth about the world we live in today. It seems as though tragedy strikes somewhere different every day and all anyone can do about it is say "wow that's so sad." Everyone really only has the option of moving on. I would try to get people to help by making announcements at schools and create a fundraiser. I would do my best to get as many people as possible involved.

Can forgiveness play a role in criminal justice?

I think that this is a horrible alternative to the criminal justice system. If someone takes the life of someone else, they deserve punishment, not forgiveness. The idea of forgiveness in the criminal justice system does not make sense. From my point of view, if it was my own family member, forgiveness would certainly not be an option. This idea of "restorative justice" is not realistic. The reasoning of this idea goes with the views of Catholic Social Teaching, but, morally, I would have to completely disagree. 

Conclave 2013

Considering a new pope is going to be chosen soon, this is a time for all Catholics to consider what is most important when choosing a new pope. Although it is not up to the people, the choice still impacts our faith because the pope is considered the leader of the Catholic faith. When I think about who I would like to be pope, I have a very distinct picture in my head. I would want the pope to be someone who is extremely passionate for religion and helping to improve faith. I want the new pope to take action against the scandals in the Church and to be concerned about everyone in the Catholic faith. Although the pope is far away from us, it is still important to have a responsible and respectable man heading our religion and faith. 

Lent 2013

I normally do not give up anything for lent or use lent to signify anything in my life. Unfortunately, I do not go to church often. However, this year during lent, I hope to grow closer to God. I am going to give up something for lent and try to become a better Catholic. I would like to change my attitude towards church in general and hopefully become closer to God through this process. My theme for this lent is going to be change. I am hoping to both change, and grow, as a person and become more committed to my relationship with God. 

Roses in December

After watching this documentary, it is almost impossible to ignore the faith and strength these women had. It takes a lot of courage to stand up for what you believe in and these women did just that. Their undying faith in God was remarkable and I felt touched by their love and compassion. I believe Jean in particular stood out because she was not a sister and had no obligation to help the people of El Salvador. This was a trip she chose because she felt a call from God. Though she died for her beliefs, it was clear that at the end of her life she found her true strength in God and her faith. Her end was not fair but her compassion lives on forever.

Original Blessings

I am living as a reflection of God's image through my Catholicism at school. I participate in community service which is another way I live as a reflection of God's image. I am living in communion with God by praying every day at school. I am aware of his present in my life and I always feel like I live in communion with him. I love in communion with others by helping and serving the dear neighbor, something God teaches us. Mount Saint Joseph Academy has taught me a lot about living in communion with both God and others.

Theology of Suffering

After reading this article, I came to a much better understanding of Jesus' suffering. I interpreted these three important points in my own, different way. 1: Jesus resisted and eliminated suffering - this statement is shown through Jesus' unyielding care for the sick and dying. While other people spent time avoiding the sick, Jesus embraced the ill and worked constantly to heal them. Jesus resisted suffering by eliminating the pain for those who were suffering during this time. 2: Jesus rejected suffering as punishment for sin - This statement has always been present in my life. Since I was a child, I was taught that Jesus died for everyone's sins. I think it was amazing that Jesus rejected suffering as punishment for the greater good of the whole. 3: Jesus trusted a compassionate, present God - This statement means a lot to me because, at times, I do not trust what is taught in the church. By Jesus' example, I know that when I need guidance I can trust God. Jesus died for everyone because he trusted he was doing the right thing by God. The two traditional interpretations of Jesus' suffering are death and resurrection. Though both are very different, I believe the interpretation is left up to yourself.A theology of atonement or ransom and a theology of incarnation were both very different, it was from the Jewish culture because they experienced sacrifice and they knew about ransom. Though looked down upon now, Jews during the time of Jesus looked to these theories for salvation. I believe the theory of incarnation is the right one. Killing animals does not save anyone where believing in incarnation is more spiritual and seems more logical.