9/23/2020 CODE 196: CICM in Action A (Justice, Peace, Indigenous and Interreligious Dialogue) -

CODE 196: CICM in Action A (Justice, Peace, Indigenous and Interreligious Dialogue)
Prelim Learning Resources

WEEK 5: JUSTICE AND PEACE

INTRODUCTION

Since the post-Vatican II years, the acronym JPIC has gained an added meaning. It highlights
the need for action towards structural changes that affirm human dignity, personal responsibility and universal solidarity. To animate our group in
the direction of such action - at the personal level as well as a community - is a key challenge. Take for example is the urgency to promote a
change in lifestyle, advocacy and networking to safeguard the Integrity of Creation. (Carrying on the Mission-100 years of CICM in the Philippines,
p. 92)

The vocation to proclaim the Kingdom in the “people’s own God-given context” impels a CICM missionary to confront the environment of blatant
inequality that people plough through in their daily routine. Uneven opportunities to services, self-development, and employment are often woven in
the fabric of societal relations. Respect for fellow humans and equal rights are sorely lacking in the world today. (Carrying on the Mission-100
years of CICM in the Philippines, p. 91)

The mission of the CICM missionaries towards Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation targets its concern to the needs and issues of a community
like peace making among societies (Human Rights and Non-Violent conflict resolutions) and respect for all created things (ecological issues) and
people (prisoners and less fortunate people) in society as they bring life to the Gospel and the Gospel to life. Like Fr. John Couvreur, he
campaigned against illegal logging in Isabela. Here, it exemplifies that a CICM missionary does not only evangelize the word of God but also puts
these teachings of the Church through action by responding to the call of just and peaceful world and respect for the environment.

Long before Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation were formally introduced, applying Christian social teaching was already a constitutive element
of each missionary’s proclamation of the Kingdom. A heart in search for the lost and the marginalized treads the less trodden path when organized
groups, communities or parish structures tend to gravitate toward power, honor and wealth. (Carrying on the Mission, p. 91)

It is very true among early CICM missionaries that even though no education were conducted on JPIC, their actions and active responses to the
needs of the community were already visible in their ministry.

JUSTICE
Christians believed that the ultimate Judge of all peope is no other else than God alone. However, some judgments have to be passed on earth for some actions
and these are the duties of our judiciary. But how is justice going on in the world? Do we still have a just world in terms of our relationship with one another and
in terms of our relationship with the society? Do we receive just grades in our subjects? Do we receive just wages in our profession? Are the prisoners treated
humanely and kept in good conditions? Or do we receive just and fair judgment in terms of trial? These are some questions we can possibly raise tomeasure
the condition of justice in our present moment.

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Justice is the virtue by which we respect the inherent rights of others and render to them and to God what is due to them in fairness and uprightness (CCC
1807). Gods’ justice is an expression of God’s love for us (Micah 7:8-20). In the same way our justice towards others should be an expression of our love.

The ministry of Christ is a just mission. He never excluded anyone in his ministry of healing the sick. He treated the ill with compassion and love. He hated
inequality and that made him argued those people who insisted exclusivity. He insisted on forgiveness rather than persecution. Humans created the most
distractive punishment in the history of the world, which is contrary to will of God. So, when Christ came, he never allowed people to be persecuted rather he
emphasized repentance. Christ’s vision of justice is a harmony of the human heart and social order that gives respect to human dignity, practice of the common
good and constant practice of solidarity. Justice for Christ is giving what is due to the people and to the society. In the words of Pope John Paul II, “..all are
called to live in Justice and to work for peace. No one can claim exemption from this responsibility.” (1998, Pope John Paul II. World Day of Peace Message)

So, our response to Jesus’ Call to Justice is to be a responsible agent in doing a just act, just decision and just living, to pay respect to the law of God and
society, and to participate in maintaining peace and order of the society.

PEACE

According to Pope Francis, “peace is a precious gift, which must be promoted and protected. Never has the use
of violence brought peace in its wake. War begets war, violence begets violence.” (2013, Pope Francis. Angelus) Justice does not support the
“principle of retaliation”. Christ wants us to promote love instead of hatred because that is the true essence of a peaceful relationship.

Peace is a gift and is not imposed by the way of force or any forms of threat. Peace must never be pursued though violence, class struggle or
hatred. Peace must be sought after as a means for shared responsibility in building the kingdom of God in our midst. In the final analysis, our
desire and commitment to seek and work for real peace is born out of our loving relationship with God because He Himself is our peace. (PCP II,
308)

There are references in the Old Testament of the Bible to warfare, it was thought that victory would belong to the chosen ones. However, Christians
looked forward for the coming of their messiah and even considered him the “Prince of Peace” and his coming would end war and peace would
reign across the world. Jesus is the prince of peace (Isaiah 9:6), and He gives us peace in three ways.

A. Peace with God

Jesus is our peace with God (Romans 5:1). Due to our sins, we were enemies of God and were separated from Him (Ephesians 2:13), but Jesus
restored our relationship when He took on our sins and died our death on the cross (Ephesians 2:14). He provided a path for reconciliation with
God, and now we are joined to God (Romans 5:10) and can fellowship with Him (1 John 1:3).

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B. Peace with others

Jesus is our peace with others. In Him, we have reconciliation with others, live at peace with them (Colossians 1:19-20), have fellowship with
one another (1 John 1:9) and can live with others in unity and one accord through the bonds of peace (Ephesians 4:3). He empowers us by His
Spirit to be peacemakers with our neighbors, friends, and foes.

C. Peace with ourselves

Jesus is our peace within. In Him, we are a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17), and He is making us whole and complete like Him (Philippians
1:6, 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24).

But the teachings of Jesus did not support warfare.

Peace and Active Non-Violence

Peace is not merely the absence of war. (1965, Pope Paul VI. The Church in the Modern World, Gaudium et Spes) Peace is not simply the
avoidance of conflict nor the absence of war, war starts and can happen also within us and in our human relationship. Peace is more than just the
absence of conflict or state of rest. It means completeness or wholeness, and it points to the presence of something else.

Peace is a need deeply rooted in the heart of every man and woman. (2000, Pope John Paul II. World Day of Peace Message) God created
us in his image as good and loving people. So, despite of our indifferences and errors, we still find peace in us because we were created out of
love.

In Sirach 10:6, it states that: No matter the wrong, do no violence to your neighbor, and do not walk the path of arrogance. Temperance is
the right word for this. Christ wants us to do no harm against anyone no matter what happens. In the end, there are reasons why people commit
mistake and we are not supposed to hate the doer but his actions only. In the words of St. Thomas Aquinas, he said: “Our duty is to hate the sin,
but love the sinner himself for what he is.”

Our response to Jesus’ call for peace is to control our emotions and anger, to live a holy life, and treat humans with dignity, obey the law and
follow the will of God

Ezekiel 45:9, Thus says the Lord God: Enough, you princes of Israel! Put away violence and oppression, and do what is right and just! Stop
evicting my people! Says the Lord God. Hate begets hate, love begets love. We are called to purify our thoughts and minds by living a just and
holy life. Put no anger or hate among others.

REFERENCE:
ONLINE:

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Fenton, J. (2019, October 19). What Is Peace in The Bible? Retrieved September 7, 2020, from
https://www.wordsoffaithhopelove.com/what-is-peace-in-the-bible/https://www.wordsoffaithhopelove.com/what-is-peace-in-the-
bible/

JPIC. [Photo]. Google.Com. https://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cjblore.org%2Fgeneral_images%2Fjpic-

logo.png&imgrefurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cjblore.org%2Fjpic.php&tbnid=OiuRceq-
UycTwM&vet=12ahUKEwj7sPDCxPfrAhVYzYsBHXEcAa4QMygHegUIARCgAQ..i&docid=_utVs-
FKsET7VM&w=200&h=207&q=JPIC&ved=2ahUKEwj7sPDCxPfrAhVYzYsBHXEcAa4QMygHegUIARCgAQ

Justice. [Photo]. Google.Com. https://masterworksfestival.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/justice.jpg

Peace. [Photo]. Google.Com. https://www.international-

alert.org/sites/default/files/PeaceFactorIcons_BlackYellowCircle_Wellbeing_2019_400x400_0

Peace. [Photo]. Google.Com. https://mk0nationaltodayijln.kinstacdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/international-day-of-peace-

640x514

BOOK:

CICM-membership. (1999). Rome: Congregation of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (CICM).

CICM: Christ is calling me: 150 years of service in God's mission (2007 ). Rome: Congregation of the Immaculate Heart of
Mary (CICM).

AD GENTES: Decree on the Missionary Acitivity of the Church (7 December, 1965), in “The Documents of Vatican II”, ed.
Walter M. Abbot, S.J., The America Press, New York, 1966, pp. 584-630. Original text in “Acta Apostolicae Sedis” (AAS), vol.
LVIII (1966), pp. 947-990.

LUMEN GENTIUM: Dogmatic Constitution on the Church (21 November, 1964), in “The Documents of Vatican II”, ed. Walter
M. Abbot, S.J., The America Press, New York, 1966, pp. 14-96. Original text in “AAS”, vol. LVII (1965), pp. 5-67.

Knox, I. (2003). Theology for Teachers. Quezon City, Philippines: Claretian Publications.

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