CCSJ Opens its Door to All

The Catholic Commission for Social Justice (CCSJ) on Wednesday 1st June opened the floor to the suburban vicariate in St. Charles, Tunapuna. The forum hosted by Leela Ramdeen proved only to be a taste of the CCSJ's plan to introduce a social justice committee in every parish in Trinidad and Tobago.

Social Justice, that is an institution based on the principles of equality, solidarity and the understanding of the values of human rights is based on the teachings of St. Thomas Aquinas.   Leela Ramdeen stressed that Social Justice is the foundation of Catholic culture and identity, that is this year's pastoral priority. Thus the topic, should be studied by those who are truly interested in revitalizing their Catholic culture and identity and sharing it with the wider community.

As Catholics we value the life and dignity of the human person. Despite class, race or position, all human life is sacred. To quote Leela Ramdeen on her speech last Wednesday, "As a people of life we are responsible for all life."  We must also have preferential option for the poor and vulnerable in our society and communities. Remember, Mathew 25:40 "And the King will answer, "In truth I tell you, in so far as you did this to one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did it to me."

The poor and vulnerable are those who are easily suppressed and oppressed by the evils of our society. Should we ignore or forget about them, we will be doing no better than those who take full advantage of them. Reflect on the story of the Good Samaritan, taken from the Gospel of Luke 10:29-37

29 But the man was anxious to justify himself and said to Jesus, 'And who is my neighbour?'

30 In answer Jesus said, 'A man was once on his way down from Jerusalem to Jericho and fell into the hands of bandits; they stripped him, beat him and then made off, leaving him half dead.

31 Now a priest happened to be travelling down the same road, but when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side.

32 In the same way a Levite who came to the place saw him, and passed by on the other side.

33 But a Samaritan traveller who came on him was moved with compassion when he saw him.

34 He went up to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring oil and wine on them. He then lifted him onto his own mount and took him to an inn and looked after him.

35 Next day, he took out two denarii and handed them to the innkeeper and said, "Look after him, and on my way back I will make good any extra expense you have."

36 Which of these three, do you think, proved himself a neighbour to the man who fell into the bandits' hands?'

37 He replied, 'The one who showed pity towards him.' Jesus said to him, 'Go, and do the same yourself.'

Would you do the same if you saw anyone in need?  

What the Samaritan displayed was an act of Social Justice. He assisted the vulnerable man and ensured that he was brought back to full health. The unnamed Samaritan also restored the dignity of the Jewish traveler by assisting him in his time of need.

As Roman Catholics we must reach out, mentor and assist those in need. We must take note of what is happening in our country, be conscious of the ills and do good. by not being proactive we as a people are allowing what is bad in our world to spread even more and it affects us as a people as well.


Another way to practice Social Justice in our parishes and communities is to encourage our young ones to do what is right and support those who are trying hard to bring about good change.  Its is not just about being participants but practitioners as well.    

This is just the icing on the cake of what Social Justice is about as it is such a broad topic but it plays a very fundamental role in our Catholic Culture and Identity.

So how do you think you can make a difference to your community?

For more information on the Catholic Commission on Social Justice check out the website at http://rcsocialjusticett.org/2.0/