February 7
From the
Gospel of Matthew we hear: “Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for justice;
they shall have their fill.”
Sr.
Dorothy said: "Our Gospel response calls us to take risks among our
people. They don't have this privilege or they would be killed if they resist
openly --indeed, they are killed."
Sister
Dorothy had a passion for justice expressed over almost 40 years of struggle
for the poor farmers and for the integrity of the rain forest. Hundreds of
people lost their lives, their homes, their crops and animals to the violence
of illegal ranchers and loggers, but she doggedly pushed on. She knew the risks
she was taking, knowing that there was a $25,000 bounty on her head. Like Sr. Dorothy, let us never give up in our
work for justice and peace. We may not
have death threats, but we can continue to work patiently, courageously and
joyfully for justice and peace.
Today’s suggested action:
Pick
one issue where justice and peace is needed, and learn one thing about it. Share that new knowledge with someone else.
Prayer:
Good and gracious God, we pray
for the safety of our Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur who are still working in
Brazil. We pray for the people for whom they continue the dangerous work of
accompaniment. We ask that you change the hearts of those who perpetuate
violence in Brazil. We also pray for ourselves, that we be faithful to the
practice of justice and peace in our communities and in responding to the needs
of others. This we ask through Christ, Our Lord. Amen.
May
the Father, and the Son and the Holy Spirit be glorified in all places through
the Immaculate Virgin Mary. Amen.
[The text of this Novena is adapted from https://www.sndohio.org/sister-dorothy/dorothy-stang-novena]
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