Are We Good?
Theme 3
Key Terms:
Goodness: The source of all good is God. Humans are directed toward good by nature
and vocation. Being connected with God leads to the result of goodness.
Sin: God established a relationship with creation; the breaching of this relationship is sin.
It brings a fult into creation, harming the work of God. We experience it as a temptation
that tries and makes us act against good order. The catechism defines it as “an utterance, a
deed desire contrary to eternal law.”
Vocation: A divine influence or tendency to follow the call from God. This is viewed
often as one's calling or purpose guided by their faith. That is, to follow God's ways and
teachings.
Disorder: Disorder is defined as fault or error. Disorder is contrary to good. It can be
those things that allow God's good creations to act contrary to what God really intends.
Gods grandeur
1) In "God's Grandeur," Gerard Manley Hopkins tries to convey his firm belief that the
world is instilled with divinity, God's presence. He does this because he feels that even
though the ways of human beings have messed up a lot of the world, there is a lasting
hope and beautiful quality in nature. Hopkins has used imagery and powerful language to
carry on the thought of God's presence as a constant, renewing force, charging the earth
with grandeur. It is a beautiful reflection of faith in and about the divinity of nature.
2) The way Earth renovates itself shows the beauty of God's grandeur, according to
Hopkins' view, pointed out by means of the following example:
Regrowth of Forests: After terrible wildfires, sprouts start to grow again from seeds, trees
start to grow, and in some time the renewal of an ecosystem starts.
Cycles of seasons over a year refurbish the spirit: in spring, trees regain their fresh leaves
and flowers start blooming, and animals grow.
Coral Reefs: Most of the time, destroyed reefs recover after some time has passed. New
coral larvae develop and help restore ecosystems under the sea.
Volcanic Islands: Although volcanic eruptions are destructive, they also build new, richly
fertile soils, allowing new plant life to grow on them to build a rich, new environment
over time.
Urban Green Spaces: Nature will find a way; even in cities, plants sprout into pavements,
birds nest on buildings, and urban green parks are a haven for wildlife.
Leper
1) In the book "Francis: The Journey and the Dream," Murray Bodo draws a picture of
God when Francis encounters the leper. Initially, Francis gets taken aback by the leper's
appearance; however, he then comes over his initial behaviour to embrace him. This is
one very interesting moment, because within it shines the word of the divine in
compassion and in acceptance. Here Francis finds the image of God in what humanity
and dignity are to be seen in the leper's appearance. And for this one single act of love
and humility, he finds the divine in unlikeliest of places and people.
2) The image of God is hidden because it challenges us that we should be able to see
more than just a shell of a person and make superficial judgments. It’s a reminder that
divine presence can be found in the most unexpected places and people, urging us to see
the dignity and worth in everyone, regardless of their outward conditions. This
hiddenness teaches us to approach life with humility and openness, always ready to find
the sacred in the ordinary.
3) In "Francis: The Journey and the Dream," it is a look from God through this leper that
alters Francis' life. He was changed because it changed his perspective to a humble,
compassionate one in love with the marginalized.It challenges the fears and prejudices
that he had before. The vision opened his heart to see divinity in all humankind. This is
the transformative experience that creates an important turn in Francis's life-one that
requires him to commit to the service of others, especially the poor and isolated. It fills
him with meaning and a clear-cut purpose: to live his faith through acts of loving service.
The presence of God's image within all gives way to peacemaking, understanding, and
compassion as he shows himself to be selfless in love and in humility.
Mother Teresa
1) The Image of God in the story of Baldwin is that instance when Mother Teresa
embraced the homeless man. Despite his outward appearance and circumstances,
she treated him with dignity and compassion. In that unconditional act of love and
acceptance, the divine image in him was revealed; therefore, the presence of God
is in every person, no matter what their situation in life is.
2) Why is it a shock every time to find the image where we did not expect it?
What does this say about God, whose image this is? The image of God often
goes into hiding because it is a challenge to seek behind judgments at face value
and labelings by society. It's always such a surprise because it smashes our
perceptions and brings us to remember that the divine lives within everyone. The
hiddenness concretizes the nature of God as one with the marginalized and
overlooked, forcing us to look beyond the facade and uncover the sacred in
everyone. He now also comes with a God whose love and grace are inclusive and
invites everybody to find the divine in the most unexpected places.
3) What does it call him/her to do? In Baldwin's case, this experience of the image
of God in the homeless changed everything. It is a story that made him change his
opinions concerning worth and dignity, shifting his attitude to being more caring
and empathetic. From this experience, he got an impulsion to consider all people
divine and to deal with them with more compassion and sensitivity.It deepened his
faith and drove him towards living out of the virtues of love and service that
Mother Teresa sparked in life.
TEMPEST TORN
1) To protect ourselves from natural hazards, we can do several things proactively:
Stay Informed: Pay attention to news and weather reports regarding your area to know the
possible threat
Have an Emergency Plan: Have a plan with your family in mind regarding evacuation.
Know your destinations and how to get there.
Prepare Emergency Kits: Store enough water, nonperishable food, first aid supplies,
flashlights, and extra batteries.
Secure Your Home: Ensure that your home is structurally sound and consider retrofitting
it for earthquakes or hurricanes.
Know Your Area: Know the kinds of natural disasters that can happen in your area and
how to prepare for each one.
Are there things we can do to master these?
Although the natural phenomenon cannot be controlled, the resilience and response
accordingly can be improved This investment in infrastructure, early warnings, and
community preparedness has great potential for reduction due to disaster. The education
and training conducted through programmes like "Master of Disaster" has helped in
preparing the communities and responding to it accordingly
Are some of these disasters a result of human negligence?
Yes, human negligence is also one of the main causes that can further lead to or worsen
the natural disasters. Deforestation, poor planning of land use, and climate change are
some of the factors enhancing the severity of such events as flooding, landslides, and wild
fires.In addressing these factors through sustainable practices and policies, one is hereby
reducing the impact brought about by natural disasters.
But what does this kind of disaster say about the Earth and its goodness? Natural
calamities make us all understand the mighty power of Earth and the delicacy of its
life-supportive system. They let us remember the respect and care that our Earth demands
from her children.Though they cause much destruction, they show how resolutely
resistant earth is and its renewing ability. They are signs calling upon us to save and
protect our environment for generations to come.
2) Tempest Torn" by John Bird is a representation of God's faithfulness, the presence
of God in resolve, and communal support in disaster situations. In this
tempest-ripping through, putting everything in disarray, there is an unflinching
spirit of the people, their acts of goodness, and unity reflecting the divine. It is in
these acts of coming together, helping, and rebuilding that the latent image of God
in humanity is brought forth. In acts of compassion, courage, and human
solidarity, we see faithfulness to us. The sustaining power of nature, the resilience
of the human spirit, and the capacity to hope and renew after a disaster, normally
through divine presence, remind us that God's faithfulness remains even at the
worst of times. That is a very strong reminder that God is often seen through our
actions and people, most especially when things are at their worst.
3) Tempest Torn" discussed reactions to tragedy underlined by resilience and
compassion: people came together, offering supplies and comfort to those in need.
I would, if put in such a situation, emphasize a few points:
Rehabilitation: immediate food, shelter, and medical assistance for the needy.
Emotional Support: Having a listening ear and comforting words, reassurance to help
consumers to cope with the emotional impact.
Community Mobilization: The rebuilding and recovery activities organized at the
community level, where all needs are kept in view and consideration.
Long-term Planning: Strategies to reduce the consequences of potential future disasters
and to develop resiliency; such plans may involve improved infrastructure or better
preparedness in regard to emergencies.
Reflection:
1) I still remember how anxiety seemed to be the greatest ghost hovering above my
life. It was a fight every day, even the smallest things in life, like going to school or
talking with buddies, appeared impossible. At this point, I didn't give in or
surrender.I reached out, spoke to teachers, counselors, and friends-most of them
very supportive. And slowly, coping strategies and a circle of support began
building up. It wasn't easy, and I started out just learning to keep my anxiety in
check. The journey so far has taught me resilience, the importance of seeking
help-and it has made me stronger and more empathetic; I'm proud of how far I've
come.This shaped me into what I am today, and every day, I am still growing and
learning from it.
2) When I first faced anxiety, I was so alone, and it made every day feel like an
impending battle. I didn't find anybody who would understand me; hence, it was
hard to bear. But with each call for help, these feelings started to shift. The
teachers and counselors listened and were supportive, saying supportive comments
and understanding remarks. No longer so lonely, but more connected. I started
feeling relieved and hopeful. Still hard, but knowing that I had these people made
all the difference. I felt better prepared against anxiety and much more confident.
That transition,from feeling alone to feeling surrounded was such an amazing
experience, really empowering.
3) What I learnt by experiencing the journey of anxiety is the following: Resilience: I
found out that yes, I am strong enough to get through and deal with nasty
moments. It taught me that even in those moments when life might seem to be
going out of my control, I could still keep going. Support is important: reaching
out, accepting help- those are not the signs of weakness; they are healing steps.
Friends, teachers, and counselors helped to teach me that I am not alone in facing
challenges. Empathy: Having to deal with my own struggle made me more
sympathetic and considerate toward the feelings of others. I understand what one
goes through, so I am capable of offering support. Self-awareness means that I
developed more sensitivity to my emotions and was able to understand and attend
to them. This self-awareness is a necessary for any kind of personal growth and
healthy emotional life
4) The image of God was somehow occluded on my anxiety journey. When I was
lonely, feeling overwhelmed, and just wanted to be heard, the last trace of divinity
was hard to find in those moments. It wasn't until I reached out and found people
to support me that the image of God became clear. It was through my friends,
teachers, and counselors that I found God's presence in the tenderest and most
supportive manner. The thoughts and willingness of these people are kind; it
reminds me, somehow, of the divine nature in human connections and empathy.
It was like finding God's image, so precious and yet somewhat hidden in a lot of fear and
isolation. That is something to learn, that God is at times not blatant but through love and
care with people around. These realizations brought depth to faith, the sense of the sacred
in ordinary acts of kindness and support.
Tragedy in taber
1) Reverend Lang's act of forgiveness in the "Tragedy in Taber" story sends chills down
one's spine. This is an act of immense strength and grace no ordinary person would or
could do. Forgiveness at such a point in time is hard, yet it does bring out some very
strong feelings that are compassionate and comprehensible. Forgiveness by Reverend
Lang does not only provide healing to himself but sets a role model example for the
community about what forgiveness is all about. It reminds us, amidst great loss and pain,
that there is always room for empathy and reconciliation.
2) These feelings of anger and refusal to forgive might imprison us in the cycle of negativity.
Anger and reproach towards others for the committed actions may be a dominant element
of our thoughts and emotions, keeping us back from our further movement. Hence, this
may bring about stress, anxiety, and even physical health problems. We basically carry
this heavy load, which has consequences regarding our well-being.
Lack of forgiveness binds us to the past, carrying all the pain and resentment along with
it. It removes the possibility of peace and healing from our lives, but forgiveness frees us
from all these negative emotions for substantive personal growth and emotional freedom.
It does not really equate to forgiving the wrongs done unto us; it does, however, release
the hold the action has on us. That is to say, free ourselves from this prison of anger so
that we may live more fully.
3) Of course, Reverend Lang would feel some feelings of wanting to blame God because of
such a terrible tragedy. When there is such extreme pain and loss, very often people ask
questions and do battle with faith. It's all part of a grieving process, questioning, getting
angry with God.
On the other hand, Reverend Lang's decision to forgive would presuppose some sorts of
reconciliations between the pains and faith. Forgiveness in this case would mean an act
steeped in compassion and grace, where he chooses to focus on healing and
understanding rather than blame. That would be some super strength and belief in the
ideals of his faith to have found some sort of solace and meaning in a tragedy.
4) Reverend Lang's change in prayer is but a superficial reflection of a deeper spiritual
transformation within him. In praying for strength, he was asking for an extrinsic helper;
now, in praying that Jesus be his strength, he is internalizing that help, allowing faith and
the presence of Jesus to permeate every level of his being. That subtle but deep shift
reveals his reliance on and confidence in his faith to navigate him through adversities, but
not as something outside himself, as he is within his very identity. It's about unity with his
faith and strength directly from that connection within.
Principle
From the Catholic aspect, being human is to be within the community of others. It means that we
are interconnected, and growth keeps on taking place from relationships based on love, respect,
and mutual encouragement. In the light of the Holy Trinity, it reflects the social nature of God,
and calls forth active involvement and contribution to life in community. In standing in solidarity,
especially with the most marginalized, we find community, work toward justice, and equality. It
is in embracing mutual dependence that we find growth and thrive to reflect the divine in us.
