Journey to Justice: A CAFOD Retreat, 2017
Participants’ sheet
Timetable
10:00Tea and coffee
10:30Opening liturgy, including reading of the Good Samaritan
10:45Encountering Romero
11:15Romero presentation
11:45Personal reflection
12:40Optional sharing
1:00pmLunch
1.45Human Rights Defenders today
2.45Our own journeys to justice
3.15Tea break
3.45Final sharing and final prayer
4:00Depart
Opening liturgy
LeaderIn the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
AllAmen.
Leader God of all creation, we gather today to be inspired by the courage of Blessed Oscar Romero,
Allmay we all work with integrity for an end to violence and poverty.
LeaderCreator of the world, eternal God,
Allwe have come from many places for a little while.
LeaderRedeemer of humanity, God-with-us,
Allwe have come with all our differences, seeking common ground.
LeaderSpirit of unity, go-between-God,
Allwe have come on journeys of our own to a place where journeys meet.
LeaderSo here, in this place of meeting, let us take time together. For when paths cross and pilgrims gather, there is much to share and celebrate.
AllIn your name, three-in-one God, pattern of community. Amen.
The Parable of the Good Samaritan
Just then a lawyer stood up to test Jesus. “Teacher,” he said, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” He said to him, “What is written in the law? What do you read there?” He answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbour as yourself.” And he said to him, “You have given the right answer; do this, and you will live.” But wanting to justify himself, he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbour?” Jesus replied, “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell into the hands of robbers, who stripped him, beat him, and went away, leaving him half dead. Now by chance a priest was going down that road; and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan while traveling came near him; and when he saw him, he was moved with pity. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, having poured oil and wine on them. Then he put him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. The next day he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said, ‘Take care of him; and when I come back, I will repay you whatever more you spend.’ Which of these three, do you think, was a neighbour to the man who fell into the hands of the robbers?” He said, “The one who showed him mercy.” Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise.”
Reader 1For the times we must act justly
AllGuide us O Lord
Reader 2For the times we must love tenderly
AllGuide us O Lord
Reader 1For the times we have to walk humbly with God
AllGuide us O Lord
Reader 2“Be always joyful. Be constant in prayer. In every circumstance give thanks.This is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
AllAmen
Encountering Romero: Questions to discuss
- What picture of Romero does this story give you?
- Does this story fit with what you already know about Romero?
- Has your view of Oscar Romero changed after reading these stories from different times in his ministry?
- What do the photos add to your understanding of Romero?
Questions for personal reflection
- The good Samaritan stopped to help the injured traveller at his own cost. What was the impact on him of his decision not to walk by?
- In the parable of the good Samaritan, it is the outsider, rather than the religious person, who stops to help. Where today can we see examples of those least valued by society reaching out with compassion?
- Romero had direct encounters with poor communities in El Salvador. How can we encounter people living in poverty overseas if we don't meet them in person?
- Romero talks about 'awakening our prophetic sense'. Where do you think we need to hear prophets speaking out today?
- Romero's life and ministry were shaped by his encounters with others. When have you been changed by encountering somebody different from you?
- Pope Francis warns that the Church can become like 'a closed-up room' if we don't step out to encounter others. Where in your life do you need to throw open the doors and let fresh air in?
- Romero's legacy still lives on today, inspiring people around the world. How would you like to be remembered?
- What unique skills, opportunities and abilities do you bring to campaigning for social justice? How is God calling you to use these?
Human Rights Defenders: Questions for small groups
- What struck you most about the two-people profiled?
- What are the kinds of rights they are defending?
- What risks do they face?
- What kind of skills or qualities do you think they have?
- Write down three of these skills or qualities to share with the group.
- Are there ways that we are or could be like them?
Our own journeys to justice
In your groups share:
•How have you already been involved in speaking out on climate change and refugees? It could be through campaigning, practical action or changes to your lifestyle.
•How would you like to get involved in the future? Use the resources table for ideas, all resources are free to take.
•Which attitudes, values and skills influence your own journeying for justice – on these issues and beyond?
Closing liturgy
LeaderIn the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.
AllAmen.
Response
LeaderA light shines in the darkness…
AllAnd the darkness shall not overcome it.
Words from Bishop Ken Untener of Saginaw
It helps, now and then, to step back and take a long view.
The kingdom is not only beyond our efforts, it is even beyond our vision.
We accomplish in our lifetime only a tiny fraction of the magnificent enterprise that is God’s work.
Nothing we do is complete, which is a way of saying that the Kingdom always lies beyond us.
No statement says all that could be said.
No prayer fully expresses our faith.
No confession brings perfection.
No pastoral visit brings wholeness.
No program accomplishes the Church’s mission.
No set of goals and objectives includes everything.
This is what we are about. We plant the seeds that one day will grow.
We water seeds already planted, knowing that they hold future promise.
We lay foundations that will need further development.
We provide yeast that produces far beyond our capabilities.
We cannot do everything, and there is a sense of liberation in realizing that.
This enables us to do something, and to do it very well.
It may be incomplete, but it is a beginning, a step along the way, an opportunity for the Lord’s grace to enter and do the rest.
We may never see the end results, but that is the difference between the master builder and the worker.
AllWe are workers, not master builders; ministers, not messiahs. We are prophets of a future not our own.
Final prayer
Reader 1God grant us the spirit of courage, that we may have the strength to fight injustice.
Reader 2Give us the spirit of challenge, that we may not accept the status quo without question.
Reader 3Give us the spirit of compassion, that we may see the world from other people’s viewpoint.
Reader 4We ask for the spirit of gentleness, that we may listen to the voice of the poor, without trampling on their dreams in our rush to action.
AllGod grant us your Spirit,
the Spirit of truth, justice and hope
that we may rest and work in the vision of a new future
where all are linked by the bonds of humanity
not enslaved by oppression.
Amen.
Song: Sent by the Lord am I
Sent by the Lord am I; My hands are ready now,To make the earth a place, In which the kingdom comes. (Repeat)
The angels cannot change, A world of hurt and pain, Into a world of love, Of justice and of peace.
The task is mine to do, To set it really free. O help me to obey; Help me to do your will.
(Words: Jorge Maldonado, Nicaragua Music: “Sent by the Lord” arr Paul Leddington Wright)