Transcript PARTNERS IN MISSION

Prophetic Ministry
as the Basis for
CATHOLIC SOCIAL
TEACHING
Donal Dorr
The Popes on TRAFFICKING in Persons:
POPE JOHN PAUL II, 2002 “Trade in
human persons a shocking offence … & a
grave violation of fundamental human
rights … an affront to fundamental values”
Pope Francis, Easter 2013: “human
trafficking is the most extensive form of
slavery in this twenty-first century!”
Pope Francis: May 2013:
“I reaffirm here that the ‘trade in people’ is a
vile activity, a disgrace to our societies that
claim to be civilized!”
KEY DISTINCTIONS
CATHOLIC SOCIAL TEACHING
CATHOLIC
SOCIAL THOUGHT
CATHOLIC
SOCIAL ACTION
= PROPHETIC
MINISTRY
E.g. Pope Francis has learned from his
priests, Sisters, Brothers, and Lay
Leaders working among the Poor and
Marginalized
E.g. Cardinal Műller strongly
influenced by Gustavo Gutiérrez
and on-the-ground Liberation
Theology
E.g. Vatican JPIC Cardinal
learning from Ecological Activist
E.g. Pope John Paul’s teaching on
work, solidarity and struggle for
justice springs from his involvement
with Polish trade union Solidarność
E.g. My involvement in
Empowerment programme in the
desert in 1975 changed my life.
Activist for years, then time out
for reflection ….
The Mission of the Church
and of Each of Us
• Start with the Mission of God
• Sending of Jesus
• Prior Sending of the Holy Spirit:
- in Creation (on-going)
- to Humans: Prophetic Inspiration
Note God’s initiative in the call of Moses
- and of all the prophets
Two qualities of prophetic
inspiration:
•Solidarity with the People
•But it comes from ‘Beyond’
(Transcendent)
A Share in God’s Breath
and Life-Energy
•Comfort the Afflicted
•Afflict (challenge)
the Comfortable
•Hope
•‘Dabar’ = Word + Action
•Healing power
THE PROPHETIC MINISTRY
OF JESUS
• Good News to ‘the Poor’
• Healing Wonders
• His Discernment:
Calamity?
or Hope?
The Early Christians Shared
His Prophetic Ministry
• Guidance from the Spirit
• Boldness/Courage
• Wisdom, Understanding, Discernment
• Comfort, Strength, Patience, Peace
• Hope and Faith
• Prayer
THE TRADITION OF PROPHETIC
MINISTRY CONTINUES TO THE PRESENT
IN OUR CHURCH
(and also outside the Church)
• Foundresses and Founders of
Religious Congregations
were prophetically inspired
• We are called to be true to their
tradition – and also to re-think
what it involves in today’s world
We in the RENATE grouping are a
Prophetic Movement in the World
• We are Inspired to Share the Comforting,
Challenging and Life-Giving Ministry of Jesus
• Others are Attracted to Share this Mission
• Seed finds Fruitful Soil in the Marginalised
• A Life-and-Death Struggle
- Victory is Transformation of Unjust Structures
- Defeat is if We are Infiltrated and Subverted
- Likely Outcome: Partial Success, Partial Failure
WHERE ARE WE FAILING, WHERE SUCCEEDING?
What is Inspiration?
• Insight, Vision, Conviction of Truth
• Action, Commitment, Eagerness
• Deep Feelings: Wonder, Love, Joy, Hope
• In the Body:
- Dance (Asian and African)
- Endurance
CREATIVE NEW LIFE
Our Commitment:
“By the Grace of God, We Intend:
• to allow ourselves to experience the gifts and
movements of the Spirit within us
• to respond to the invitation of the Spirit by the
way we speak, act, and live
• to recognize the gifts and movements of the
Spirit in others—including non-Christians
• to share the awareness of the call of the Spirit
with those with whom we come in contact.”