To Cardinal Turkson, Justice and Peace Council President, for Conference on Women: Many work to defend and promote life and combat poverty, enslavement and injustices that women experience. In the West, women can experience discrimination in the workplace, be forced to choose between work and family, and suffer from domestic violence. In developing countries, women bear heavy burdens, traveling to get water, dying in childbirth, being kidnapped for sexual exploitation, forced into marriages, or denied the right to life.
Life issues are intrinsically connected to social questions. When we defend life, we do so each life–from conception to natural death–may be dignified, free from hunger, poverty, violence, and persecution. The Church maintains the link between life ethics and social ethics, aware that society lacks solid foundations when, it asserts values of human dignity, justice, and peace but tolerates the devaluation and violation of life, especially among the weak.
Be guided by the spirit of humanity and compassion in the service of your neighbor. May your work be professionally competent, non self-interested but generous, so you'll manifest the gifts women have to offer, encouraging others to promote sensitivity, understanding, and dialogue to settle conflicts, heal wounds, nurture life, embody mercy and tenderness, and bring reconciliation and unity; it's all part of the “feminine genius” our society needs so badly.
Acts 28:16-20, 30-31Paul to Jewish leaders: “I've done nothing against our people or customs but was handed over to the Romans as a prisoner. The Jews objected to their releasing me, so I appealed. I wanted to speak with you because I'm chained because of the hope of Israel.” He remained for two years, receiving all who came and proclaiming the Kingdom and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ.
Ps 11:4, 5, 7"The just will gaze on your face, O Lord." The Lord is just; his throne is in heaven. His eyes behold mankind, searching the just and the wicked.
Jn 21:20-25When Peter asked Jesus about the disciple following whom Jesus loved, Jesus said, “What concern is it of yours if I want him to remain until I come? You follow me.” If everything else Jesus did was to be written individually, I don't think the world could hold the books.
Reflect
Creighton: The Holy Spirit preserves our faith, hope, and love. God who sent his Son also gives us the Spirit that we might live in freedom. Today's gospel is the end of John’s account of Jesus’ being the Light. For John, believing is seeing the “signs,” and discipleship is believing and living beyond them. With the coming of the Spirit we're given faith, ability to see Jesus and hear his call. We, like Peter, want assurances and more “signs” to make believing easier, but God gives us just the right amount. Look back at the “signs” and follow him forward.
Passionist: Peter is probably trying to compare himself with John. Checking to see what others have that we don’t isn't our purpose as disciples. If we follow Jesus, when we ask “What about them?” we should mean “How can I help them?” May we ask how our choices affect others.
DailyScripture.net: When Peter asked about John's role, Jesus retorted, "What's that to you? Follow me!" Jesus called them both but gave each a different mission. / "Books can't exhaust the person and work of Jesus Christ." His power is inexhaustible, his grace is limitless, his wisdom unfathomable, his triumphs innumerable, his love unquenchable; we can't say enough about his power, majesty, and glory.
"May the power of your love, Lord Christ, fiery and sweet as honey, so absorb our hearts as to withdraw them from all that is under heaven. Grant that we may be ready to die for love of your love, as you died for love of our love." (Absorbeat, prayed by St. Francis of Assisi)
To Cardinal Turkson, Justice and Peace Council President, for Conference on Women: Many work to defend and promote life and combat poverty, enslavement and injustices that women experience. In the West, women can experience discrimination in the workplace, be forced to choose between work and family, and suffer from domestic violence. In developing countries, women bear heavy burdens, traveling to get water, dying in childbirth, being kidnapped for sexual exploitation, forced into marriages, or denied the right to life.
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