Reflection
“We cannot be indifferent to suffering; we cannot allow anyone to go through life as an outcast. Instead, we should feel indignant, challenged to emerge from our comfortable
isolation and to be changed by our contact with human suffering. That is the meaning of dignity.”
The Word of God, constantly calls us to notice, to listen, to attend to stories of the vulnerable and those who suffer, often
invisible, and whose voices are easily silenced and dismissed, such as the unborn, victims of sexual and domestic violence, those with a disability, the sick, the dispossessed, the frail,
aged, refugees, people seeking asylum, and those suffering mental ill-health. Through prayer, we develop habits of compassionate reflection, helping us recognise attitudes that condemn – attitudes within ourselves, our faith community, and our society. Mercy is God’s grace poured out on
undeserving humanity for no other reason than God’s love, not our worthiness. Our task is to show mercy to others, just as God has shown us mercy.
As recipients of God’s boundless mercy, we are called to challenge attitudes that condemn those suffering as morally weak or lacking faith. Our eyes are opened to the social
determinants of poverty, living conditions, and personal security that are amplified by societal structures that exclude. Like the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37), we are called not to condemn but to act, to bind up wounds, to pour oil and wine, to ensure ongoing support. Only then does the Church become a ‘field hospital,’ concerned more with those who suffer than with defending its own interests.
Local community discernment questions
- To deny dignity or lack respect is implicitly violent. How do we make connections between our (often unconscious) attitudes and behaviours and the continuing impact of violence towards ourselves and towards others? What formation do we need if we are to act justly, walk humbly and bring peace?
- What needs are invisible to us in our community? How do we respond to the realities and needs of those around us? Are we tempted to blame others for their misfortune, e.g. refugees, single mothers?
- What assistance do we need to identify the greatest needs in our community and so elucidate the assessment of pastoral priorities at the local level?
Local community action
- Establish a Pastoral Plan for your community which focuses on responding to the needs of the marginalised.
- Establish groups to visit the sick, housebound, and grieving.
- Offer opportunities for older and retired community members to participate in the community through service projects.
- Establish a Social Justice Committee whose members engage in formation around Catholic Social Teaching, and training in how to access resources from other organisations and agencies such as the Sydney Alliance.
- Encourage volunteers for after-school tutoring for migrant children.
- Assign seminarians to work in identified social outreach programs throughout the Diocese.
- Involve others in any process that seeks to identify local needs.
- Become informed about the kinds of services and support programs available locally to people across their lifetime. For example, Catholic Care’s Project Elizabeth, Houses to Homes as well as Project Rachel, Pregnancy Help Australia, Palliative Care, Marist 180, chaplaincies, counselling, domestic violence refuges.
- Support existing partnerships (or form new ones) with organisations that are responding to needs. For example, Vinnies, Wayside Chapel, Aboriginal Catholic Ministry, Project Rachel.
Resources
Download a digital copy of
“Behold, I am with you always” Diocese of Parramatta’s
Pastoral Plan for a Synodal Church 2024 – 2028