Journeying Toward Freedom and Equity

    Thursday’s reflection from the Ignatian Solidarity Network addresses the differences between self-preservation and vulnerability. https://ignatiansolidarity.net/blog/2021/02/25/self-preservation-vulnerability/           Last semester, I took a course in Multicultural Psychology and it was truly one of the most eye-opening courses I have ever taken. My professor opened each session not only as a safe space, but a “brave space.” Our sessions helped me to recognize that it is okay not to know all there is to know about marginalized populations. It is okay to make honest mistakes as we continue to grow and learn about individuals who are different from us. But as we learn, we must be honest with ourselves. We have to be willing to acknowledge those moments where we did not see the full picture, or we did not recognize our brothers and sisters the way we should have.          ...

https://ignatiansolidarity.net/blog/2021/02/22/may-justice-take-root/ A Reflection on the Following Questions:    What suffering are you called to witness?  How are you being called to respond?   How can you better accompany and stand with those whose experiences differ from yours, particularly those impacted by injustice?     For many weeks I have walked with Clifford Ryan ( On the Ground with the OGS , OGS Against Gun Violence) . We have walked through neighborhoods that many will not even drive through. My first impression was the broken sidewalks and it certainly was not like the orderly, lily-white neighborhood I live and work in. The jail-like atmosphere of the housing projects, the lack of flowers and trees, nothing but cement.   It was more than the South side.   It was the North side and West side; we have walked them all.   We stopped and prayed for the victims of shootings and listened to the families of those vi...

  https://ignatiansolidarity.net/blog/2021/02/22/may-justice-take-root/ “Change our hearts this time, your word says it can be. Change our minds this time, your life could make us free.”   The hymn “Change Our Hearts” has always been one of my favorites.   For me, it reflects the theme of Christians working diligently toward a just and equitable society.   Today’s reflection asks, how can we better stand with those different from ourselves, especially those who suffer injustice? (Duffner p.4)     If we are truly committed to our faith and the command to love our neighbor, how must we change to live the words of Jesus?   Beginning this journey is never easy, but what better time to reflect on the racial injustice in our own Syracuse community and take our first small steps to address it.   Perhaps we can begin by educating ourselves, by reading about events in our history, by examining a true story related to racial injustice, by readin...

Friday’s reflection posted by the ISN describes fasting as a way to become more present with others. The ultimate question to ask yourself when deciding what you will fast from this Lent is “What is standing between me and God, and what is distancing me from my relationship with others?”  https://ignatiansolidarity.net/blog/2021/02/19/fasting-as-invitation/ Is it the busyness of your life, a lack of trust, fear, anxiety, anger, insecurity, or pessimism? Fasting during Lent can mean something different to everyone. The beauty of this Lenten journey is that in finding what you wish to fast from, you are also able to discover what practices and habits will bring you closer to God. As you reflect this season, consider what you may do to nourish your relationship with yourself, with God, and with others. Perhaps there is something new you can learn, maybe there’s a conversation to be had with a loved one, maybe this Lent is simply a time you need to pause and reflect. Whatever you choos...

Welcome!      We are so happy you are visiting our blog today. Our hope is that, during this holy Lenten season, we will all grow in love and understanding of God and others. This Lent, members of our parish’s Race Awareness Discussion Group, part of St. Augustine’s Social Action Ministry, will reflect on some of the daily writings featured in Lent 2021’s Ignatian Solidarity Network Series called STEADFAST: A CALL TO LOVE .        We hope that you will visit our blog throughout this Lenten season, read our reflections, and feel free to share a comment when inspired to do so. Sometimes there will be a link or two for further reading, listening, or viewing. Our goal is simply to share, not to overwhelm. Let us make this a time of prayer and renewal, a time of reflection and compassionate dialogue. I've included the link for the Ash Wednesay posting here, in case you haven't yet subscribed to the Ignatian Solidarity Network Series. Enjoy!  http...

    “ During Lent, in these turbulent times, how can we persevere in our work for justice with a steadfast spirit, rooted in love?” In his recent encyclical letter Fratelli Tutti Pope Francis reminds us: “Our call to love [is] one that transcends all prejudices, all historical and cultural barriers, all petty interests.” (83).  During Lent members of the Social Action Ministry will be leading St. Augustine’s parish in reflection that will enable us to seek to answer this question, renewing each day throughout Lent our commitment to care for all of our fellow human beings.  We will be doing this by using the Ignatian Solidarity Network’s Lenten program called:  Steadfast, A Call to Love.  To join in these reflections, sign up to receive an email every day in your mailbox at:  https://ignatiansolidarity.net/steadfast-lent-2021/ Enter your name and email address.  In addition to receiving a daily email from the Ignatian Solidari...