by Leela Ramdeen, Chair of the Catholic Commission for Social Justice
It is significant to note that Respect For Life Week ended shortly before the Feast of Christ the King, today. Last week, through CCSJ’s various activities and those planned e.g. at parish and school levels, we all had an opportunity to reflect on ways in which we are promoting, protecting and enhancing life at all stages and in all circumstances, and ways in which we are acting as good stewards of God’s creation.
In the Gospel readings of the last two weeks we discerned the meaning of the parable of the 10 bridesmaids and the parable of the talents. In today’s Gospel, however, on the Feast of Christ the King, the last Sunday of our Church’s year, Jesus speaks to us clearly and powerfully. He “pulls no punches”, as the saying goes. At the last judgement we will be judged by our good works; by our love for Him and for one another.
Ask yourself when you read Matthew 25:31-46: “Am I living my life in such a way that will lead me to be placed by Jesus among the sheep or among the goats? Will I be on His right hand or on His left hand?” Please note that the “virtuous” will be on His right hand.
We should not wait until it’s too late to realise that Luke 4:18-19 is our mandate. What are we doing for the “least” of our brothers and sisters? The greatest Commandment Jesus gave us was to love Him and to love our neighbour. And remember, love of neighbour has global dimensions. We have to see Jesus in the face of our neighbours and respond to their needs now. As St John of the Cross said: “In the evening of life we will be judged on love alone.”
Look around our country and our world today and tell me if you can ask Jesus with a clear conscience: “Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty, a stranger or naked, sick or in prison, and did not come to your help?”
When the Archdiocese celebrates Respect for Life Week, this does not mean that we only demonstrate respect for life during one week of the year. As people of the Beatitudes we are expected to act justly, love tenderly and walk humbly with our God (Micah 6:8) 24/7, 365/6 days per year. To “love tenderly” requires us to develop meaningful, genuine relationships with God and within our family, workplace, community, country and further afield.
Our Archdiocesan Mission statement talks about “building the civilisation of love.” To do so we must move from mere words to SEE-JUDGE-ACT.
Last week I was contacted by a newspaper reporter who sought my views about the decision to introduce a third Play Whe and Pick 2 draw per day from Monday to Saturday. The newspaper reported the Catholic perspective which I had shared with the reporter. In spite of the criticism levelled against me, as a Catholic, on a particular radio station in relation to my statement, I stand by the teachings of our Church.
Our Catechism (2413-2414) makes it clear that “Games of chance (card games, etc.) or wagers are not in themselves contrary to justice. They become morally unacceptable when they deprive someone of what is necessary to provide for his needs and those of others. The passion for gambling risks becoming an enslavement…”
So, although Catholics believe that gambling per se is not intrinsically immoral/evil, there are circumstances when we believe that it can become morally unacceptable e.g. when it becomes an addiction or when the money used is required for one’s family for food, clothing, paying bills etc.
The newspaper reported a comment from an economist who said that perhaps the Government wished to raise revenue in this way. I understand that the number of draws may increase to 5 per day. I am sure that each of us knows of at least one person who spends more money than he/she could ill afford on these games of chance. Is this the way we plan to build our nation and to promote integral human development?
If we want to develop a knowledge-based economy, should we not be focusing on developing the knowledge and skills of our citizens so that they can meet the challenges of our globalised world? Building the common good involves creating conditions that will enable each person to realise his/her potential. Will more and more Play Whe draws per day help our people to achieve their potential?
