397 NONVIOLENCE

YOUCAT Lesson 397

YOUCAT the catechism for Catholic youth

397  What did Jesus say about nonviolence?

Jesus places a high value on nonviolent action.  He commands his disciples: “Do not resist one who is evil.  But if any one strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also” (Matthew 5:39).  [2311]

The Salt March in India on March 12, 1930 "Gandhi Salt March"(photo by Walter Bosshard ).  The shirtless man with bowed head in the center of the photo is Mohatma Gandhi . ….. 397

The 1930 Salt Satyagraha campaign was based upon Gandhi's principles of nonviolent protest called satyagraha, which he loosely translated as "truth-force."^[7] Literally, it is formed from the Sanskrit words satya, "truth", and agraha, "force". In early 1930 the Indian National Congress chose satyagraha as their main tactic for winning Indian independence from British rule and appointed Gandhi to organize the campaign. Gandhi chose the 1882 British Salt Act as the first target of satyagraha. The Salt March to Dandi, and the beating by British police of hundreds of nonviolent protesters in Dharasana, which received worldwide news coverage, demonstrated the effective use of civil disobedience as a technique for fighting social and political injustice.^[8] The satyagraha teachings of Gandhi and the March to Dandi had a significant influence on American activistsMartin Luther King, Jr., James Bevel, and others during the movement for civil rights for blacks and other minority groups in the 1960s.^[9]--Wikipedia

He rebukes Peter, who wants to defend him with force: “Put your sword into its sheath” (John 18:11).  Jesus does not call his disciples to take up weapons.  He remains silent before Pilate.  His way is to take the part of the victims, to go to the Cross, to redeem the world through love, and to call the peacemakers blessed.  Therefore the Church, too, respects people who for reasons of conscience refuse to be part of the armed services but place themselves at the service of society in some other way.  283-284

“And they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore.”  Micah 4:3

“War is not always inevitable.  It is always a defeat for humanity.” Saint Pope John Paul II (1920-2005) January 13, 2003

[2311]

2311 Public authorities should make equitable provision for those who for reasons of conscience refuse to bear arms; these are nonetheless obliged to serve the human community in some other way. (Compasre Gaudium et Spes 79 § 3.)¹⁰⁸ –Catechism of the Catholic Church, Second Edition

396 ANGER

YOUCAT Lesson 396

YOUCAT the catechism for Catholic youth

396  How do Christians deal with anger?

St. Paul says, “Be angry but do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger” (Ephesians 4:26). [2302-2304]

Return of the Prodigal Son-by Rembrandt (Luke 15:11-32). ..... 396

Anger is initially a natural emotion, a reaction to perceived injustice.  If anger becomes hatred, however and someone has ill-will toward his neighbor, this normal feeling becomes a serious offense against charity.  All uncontrolled anger, especially thoughts of revenge, are detrimental to peace and destroy “the tranquility of order”.  294

“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’  But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”  Matthew 5:43-44

III. SAFEGUARDING PEACE

[2302-2304]

Peace

2302 By recalling the commandment, "You shall not kill," (Matthew 5:21.)⁹⁴ our Lord asked for peace of heart and denounced murderous anger and hatred as immoral. --Catechism of the Catholic Church, Second Edition

Anger is a desire for revenge. "To desire vengeance in order to do evil to someone who should be punished is illicit," but it is praiseworthy to impose restitution "to correct vices and maintain justice." (St. Thomas Aquinas, Summa Theologiae II-II,158,1 ad 3.)⁹⁵ If anger reaches the point of a deliberate desire to kill or seriously wound a neighbor, it is gravely against charity; it is a mortal sin. The Lord says, "Everyone who is angry with his brother shall be liable to judgment." (Matthew 5:22.)⁹⁶ --CCC

2303 Deliberate hatred is contrary to charity. Hatred of the neighbor is a sin when one deliberately wishes him evil. Hatred of the neighbor is a grave sin when one deliberately desires him grave harm. "But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven." (Matthew 5:44-45.)⁹⁷ --CCC

2304 Respect for and development of human life require peace. Peace is not merely the absence of war, and it is not limited to maintaining a balance of powers between adversaries. Peace cannot be attained on earth without safeguarding the goods of persons, free communication among men, respect for the dignity of persons and peoples, and the assiduous practice of fraternity. Peace is "the tranquillity of order." (St. Augustine, De civ. Dei, 19,13,1:PL 41,640.)⁹⁸ Peace is the work of justice and the effect of charity. (Compare Isaiah 32:17; compare Gaudium et Spes 78 §§ 1-2.)⁹⁹ --CCC

395 PEACE

YOUCAT Lesson 395

YOUCAT the catechism for Catholic youth

395  What is peace?

Peace is the consequence of justice and the sign of love put into action.  Where there is peace, “every creature can come to rest in good order” (St. Thomas Aquinas).  Earthly peace is the image of the peace of Christ, who reconciled heaven and earth.  [2304-2305]

For a child^* is born to us, a son is given to us; upon his shoulder dominion rests.  They name him Wonder-Counselor, God-Hero, Father-Forever, Prince of Peace.

His dominion is vast and forever peaceful, upon David’s throne, and over his kingdom, which he confirms and sustains by judgment and justice, both now and forever.  The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this!--Isaiah 9:5-6 [Photo of painting by Don C. Bragg] ….. 395

Peace is more than the absence of war, more than a carefully maintained balance of powers (“balance of terror”).  In a state of peace, people can live securely with their legitimately earned property and freely exchange goods with one another.  In peace the dignity and the right of self-determination of individuals and of peoples are respected.  In peace human coexistence is characterized by brotherly solidarity.  66, 283-284, 327

“Development is the new name for peace.”  Pope Paul  VI (1897-1978). Encyclical Populorum Progressio

“The effect of righteousness will be peace, and the result of righteousness, quietness and trust forever.”  Isaiah 32:17

“The birthday of the Lord is the birthday of peace.”  Pope St. Leo the Great (ca. 400-461)

“Blessed are the peacemakers.”  Matthew 5:9

“In my experience, every time people make an effort to live the Gospel as Jesus teaches us, everything begins to change: all aggressiveness, all fear and sadness then give way to peace and joy.”  Belgian King Baudouin (1930-1993)

“He is our peace.”  Ephesians 2:14

III. SAFEGUARDING PEACE

[2304-2305]

Peace

2304 Respect for and development of human life require peace. Peace is not merely the absence of war, and it is not limited to maintaining a balance of powers between adversaries. Peace cannot be attained on earth without safeguarding the goods of persons, free communication among men, respect for the dignity of persons and peoples, and the assiduous practice of fraternity. Peace is "the tranquillity of order." (St. Augustine, De civ. Dei, 19,13,1:PL 41,640.)⁹⁸ Peace is the work of justice and the effect of charity. (Compare Isaiah 32:17; compare Gaudium et Spes 78 §§ 1-2.)⁹⁹ –Catechism of the Catholic Church, Second Edition

2305 Earthly peace is the image and fruit of the peace of Christ, the messianic "Prince of Peace." (Isaiah 9:5.)¹⁰⁰ By the blood of his Cross, "in his own person he killed the hostility," (Ephesians 2:16 J.B.; compare Col 1:20-22.)¹⁰¹ he reconciled men with God and made his Church the sacrament of the unity of the human race and of its union with God. "He is our peace." (Ephesians 2:14.)¹⁰² He has declared: "Blessed are the peacemakers." (Matthew 5:9.)¹⁰³ --CCC

394 RESPECT FOR THE DEAD-CHRISTIAN BURIAL

YOUCAT Lesson 394, June 12, 2015

YOUCAT the catechism for Catholic youth

94  How do Christians treat the corpse of someone who has died?

Christians treat the corps of a dead person respectfully and lovingly, realizing that God has called him to the resurrection of the dead.  [2300-2301]

Resurrection of Lazarus, painting by Leon Bonnat, France, 1857.

It is a traditional part of Christian funeral customs for the remains of a dead person to be buried in a dignified manner in the earth and for the grave to be decorated and tended.  Today the Church also accepts other funeral arrangements (for instance, cremation), as long as they are not interpreted in a way contrary to the belief in the resurrection of the dead.

II. RESPECT FOR THE DIGNITY OF PERSONS

[2300-2301]

Respect for the dead

2300 The bodies of the dead must be treated with respect and charity, in faith and hope of the Resurrection. The burial of the dead is a corporal work of mercy; (Compare Tobit 1:16-18.)⁹² it honors the children of God, who are temples of the Holy Spirit. --Catechism of the Catholic Church, Second Edition

2301 Autopsies can be morally permitted for legal inquests or scientific research. The free gift of organs after death is legitimate and can be meritorious. --CCC 

The Church permits cremation, provided that it does not demonstrate a denial of faith in the resurrection of the body. (Compare Codex Iuris Canonici, can. 1176 § 3.)⁹³ --CCC

393 RESPECT FOR THE DYING

YOUCAT Lesson 393

YOUCAT the catechism for Catholic youth

393  How do Christians assist someone who is dying?

Christians do not leave a dying person alone.  They help him so that he can die in faith-filled trust, in dignity and peace.  They pray with him and take care that the sacraments are administered to him at the right time.  [2299]

Eunice Bayer, right, with her granddaughter Sherry a year before Sherry passed away from Huntington Disease.  Eunice who lived in Jackson, Michigan died several years later. She was Rose’s aunt. We and our children were fortunate to visit Sherry and Eunice in their delining years. ….. 393

[2299]

Respect for the dying

2299 The dying should be given attention and care to help them live their last moments in dignity and peace. They will be helped by the prayer of their relatives, who must see to it that the sick receive at the proper time the sacraments that prepare them to meet the living God. –Catechism of the Catholic Church, Second Edition

Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time, August 27, 2017

The Apostle Peter Holding the Keys to the Kingdom of Heaven, by Paul Reubins.

Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time, August 27, 2017
Lectionary: 121

Reading 1 IS 22:19-23

Thus says the LORD to Shebna, master of the palace:  "I will thrust you from your office and pull you down from your station.  On that day I will summon my servant Eliakim, son of Hilkiah;  I will clothe him with your robe, and gird him with your sash, and give over to him your authority.  He shall be a father to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and to the house of Judah.  I will place the key of the House of David on Eliakim's shoulder; when he opens, no one shall shut when he shuts, no one shall open.  I will fix him like a peg in a sure spot, to be a place of honor for his family."

 Responsorial Psalm PS 138:1-2, 2-3, 6, 8

R. (8bc) Lord, your love is eternal; do not forsake the work of your hands.

I will give thanks to you, O LORD, with all my heart,
for you have heard the words of my mouth;
in the presence of the angels I will sing your praise;
I will worship at your holy temple.

R. Lord, your love is eternal; do not forsake the work of your hands.

I will give thanks to your name,
because of your kindness and your truth:
When I called, you answered me;
you built up strength within me.

R. Lord, your love is eternal; do not forsake the work of your hands.

The LORD is exalted, yet the lowly he sees,
and the proud he knows from afar.
Your kindness, O LORD, endures forever;
forsake not the work of your hands.

R. Lord, your love is eternal; do not forsake the work of your hands.

Reading 2 ROM 11:33-36

Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How inscrutable are his judgments and how unsearchable his ways!
For who has known the mind of the Lord
or who has been his counselor?
Or who has given the Lord anything
that he may be repaid?
For from him and through him and for him are all things.  To him be glory forever. Amen.

 Alleluia MT 16:18

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
You are Peter and upon this rock I will build my Church
and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel MT 16:13-20

Jesus went into the region of Caesarea Philippi and he asked his disciples, "Who do people say that the Son of Man is?"  They replied, "Some say John the Baptist, others Elijah, still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets."  He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?"  Simon Peter said in reply, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God."  Jesus said to him in reply, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah.  For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my heavenly Father.  And so I say to you, you are Peter,
and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it.  I will give you the keys to the kingdom of heaven.  Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven;
and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven."  Then he strictly ordered his disciples to tell no one that he was the Christ.

392 ACTS THAT VIOLATE THE HUMAN RIGHT TO BODILY INTEGRITY

YOUCAT Lesson 392

YOUCAT the catechism for Catholic youth

392  What sorts of acts violate the human right to bodily integrity?

This right is violated by the use of violence, kidnapping and hostage taking, terrorism, torture, rape, and forced sterilization as well as by amputation and mutilation.  [2297-2298]

Alabama State Troopers Attack John Lewis at the Edmund Pettis Bridge, March 7, 1965.  Lewis went on to be elected to the U.S. Congress representing Georgia’s 5^th District. ….. 392

These fundamental violations against justice, charity, and human dignity are not justified even when they are backed by government authority.  Conscious of the historical guilt of Christians as well, the Church today fights against all use of physical or psychological force, especially against torture.

“Christians have often denied the Gospel; yielding to a mentality of power, they have violated the rights of ethnic groups and peoples and shown contempt for their cultures and religious traditions: be patient and merciful towards us (O Lord), and grant us your forgiveness!” -- Saint Pope John Paul II (1920-2005), Prayer for Forgiveness in the Jubilee Year 2000

II. RESPECT FOR THE DIGNITY OF PERSONS

[2297-2298]

Respect for bodily integrity

2297 Kidnapping and hostage taking bring on a reign of terror; by means of threats they subject their victims to intolerable pressures. They are morally wrong. Terrorism threatens, wounds, and kills indiscriminately; it is gravely against justice and charity. Torture which uses physical or moral violence to extract confessions, punish the guilty, frighten opponents, or satisfy hatred is contrary to respect for the person and for human dignity. Except when performed for strictly therapeutic medical reasons, directly intended amputations, mutilations, and sterilizations performed on innocent persons are against the moral law. (Compare Denzinger-Schonmetzer 3722.)⁹¹ –Catechism of the Catholic Church, Second Edition

2298 In times past, cruel practices were commonly used by legitimate governments to maintain law and order, often without protest from the Pastors of the Church, who themselves adopted in their own tribunals the prescriptions of Roman law concerning torture. Regrettable as these facts are, the Church always taught the duty of clemency and mercy. She forbade clerics to shed blood. In recent times it has become evident that these cruel practices were neither necessary for public order, nor in conformity with the legitimate rights of the human person. On the contrary, these practices led to ones even more degrading. It is necessary to work for their abolition. We must pray for the victims and their tormentors. --CCC

YOUCAT Lesson 391

YOUCAT the catechism for Catholic youth

391  Is organ donation important?

Donating organs can lengthen life or improve the quality of life, and therefore it is a genuine service to one’s neighbor, provided no one is forced to do it.  [2296]

Brain Stem Death donation awareness program. (I’ve never heard of a person with 20 fingers!)….. 391

II. RESPECT FOR THE DIGNITY OF PERSONS

[2296]

Respect for the person and scientific research

2296 Organ transplants are in conformity with the moral law if the physical and psychological dangers and risks to the donor are proportionate to the good sought for the recipient. Organ donation after death is a noble and meritorious act and is to be encouraged as an expression of generous solidarity. It is not morally acceptable if the donor or his proxy has not given explicit consent. Moreover, it is not morally admissible to bring about the disabling mutilation or death of a human being, even in order to delay the death of other persons. –Catechism of the Catholic Church, Second Edition