I initially posted this in 2018 – Sadly it is still relevant so I will re-post. Additionally, in light of recent displays of intolerance, I am posting the themes of Catholic Social Teaching as an educational tool. Racism, rude behavior, discrimination and hate are NOT Catholic. Here’s to a more kind and loving 2019!
TRANSFORM: To change in condition, nature, or character; to change into another form of energy.
Call it cliche, sappy, idealistic, pie-in-the-sky thinking…whatever you want…but people, and whole societies can change, can transform themselves into a higher nature, one that produces positive growth and nurtures the soul.
Desire, willingness, and the courage to dream for something better stirs us to action. Peaceful action generates contagious, life-affirming energy that can affect peoples’ lives in truly remarkable ways! Time and again we’ve been shown that one person can make a lasting impression – for good or evil. It isn’t a matter of IF we can impact the world, but more a matter of HOW and WHEN.
It is a matter of deciding to let go of destructive ideas, impulses, and behaviors, and choosing to be transformed into positive agents for the good of all. Some people dismiss the notion that what is good for all is important. They are self-serving, self-righteous, and self-deluded. They fail to realize that we humans are interrelated, interdependent, and interconnected whether or not we want to acknowledge it.
So, we must face the reality that if we want to live free, happy, healthy, prosperous, and peaceful lives, we must allow all others to live free, happy, healthy, prosperous, and peaceful lives too. We must choose to be transformed into our better selves. We must find the courage to let go of destructive impulses, and to embrace benevolence.
ACTIONS: Resolve: to solve problems with words, not violence; to volunteer to serve others; to try new things and entertain new ideas; to treat our addictions; to make healthy decisions; to become more informed with the truth; to disagree respectfully; to develop our spiritual nature; to commune in nature; to choose courage over fear; to develop our talents, explore our creative sides; to become charitable; to laugh often; to forgive freely; to be merciful and thoughtful; to be more loving to ourselves and others. Let’s TRANSFORM ourselves and the world in 2019 – it can be done! Peace, Joy, Love & Hope. HAPPY NEW YEAR! Doctoraquarius.
SEVEN THEMES OF CATHOLIC SOCIAL TEACHING for those who want to know you can read more about them online.
LIFE AND DIGNITY OF THE HUMAN PERSON
CALL TO FAMILY, COMMUNITY AND PARTICIPATION
RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
OPTION FOR THE POOR AND VULNERABLE
THE DIGNITY OF WORK AND THE RIGHTS OF WORKERS
SOLIDARITY
CARE FOR GOD’S CREATION
From Sharing Catholic Social Teaching: Challenges and Directions, 2017 – United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.
