For a few years now the Secular Franciscan Order (OFS) has placed increased focus on justice, peace and integrity of creation (JPIC). But from time to time comments surfaced from our own OFS family that too much attention is being placed on JPIC in the OFS and is too often seen as an extracurricular activity. This thinking is unfortunate and it is also unfortunate that the acronym “JPIC” need exist at all. This short essay will highlight some of Jesus’ action from beginning to end.
“Justice, peace and integrity of creation” (JPIC) was coined in 1983:
“Justice, peace and integrity of creation” (JPIC) was coined in 1983:
“The term JPIC came out of the Sixth World Council of Churches Assembly in Vancouver, BC, Canada, which initiated the Conciliar Process for Justice, Peace and the Integrity of Creation (JPIC)… “JPIC is a set of values, a spirituality, which inspires us with the call of Jesus to share with him the work of establishing God’s kingdom on earth.” (Rozansky and Felipe, 2009, 33). JPIC is a dimension of living Franciscan spirituality, of our vocation to live as Secular Franciscans according to the OFS Rule. All of the dimensions of our life such as prayer, fraternity, evangelization and apostolate are permeated by the values of JPIC i.e. JPIC transverses all aspects of our lives. Transverse literally means to cut across and JPIC values are inextricably linked together and their transversality affects everything we do and they are an essential element of our Christian life in trying to live the OFS Rule.” From Understanding JPIC by Andrew Conradi, ofs. |
The more I continue to read and better understand the Gospel the more I am convinced that JPIC is not an extra-curricular activity of the Secular Franciscan Order, but is in fact who we are all called to be as Baptized Christians and members of the OFS. In my recent read and study of the book, The Last Words of Jesus, A Meditation on Love and Suffering, author, Dan Horan, OFM, who many of you may know, explores Jesus’ words and how they may have been miss-interpreted over the centuries. As a theologian and scholar, he digs into their translation. He shows us how the Last Words are more hopeful than they appear at first glance. He then goes beyond The Last Words of Jesus and reflects on His first words relating them to His last.
Horan reflects on the teachings of Jesus in the parables of the Good Samaritan and the Prodigal Son both from Luke. These stories are stories that challenge us. Horan writes, “The place of the poor and marginalized in Luke’s version of the Gospel as well as the significance of table fellowship for Jesus’ ministry and mission are important to me, calling me to be more open and accepting of others – particularly the forgotten, the voiceless and the poor – in living the Christian life.” |
In Luke 16:21 Jesus reads from the scroll, “…The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, and let the oppressed go free…” Horan writes, “[This is] a summary of what his mission (and by virtue of our baptism, our mission [and our OFS profession] is all about: social justice.”
Horan continues, “What Jesus has been anointed to …do is proclaim the in-breaking of the kingdom of God, which is seen when justice and mercy reign in our world. Those who are bound by the shackles of injustice, discrimination, marginalization, oppression, fear, and violence are captives … [and] conversely, those who are blinded by greed, selfishness, lust for power, desire for wealth, obsession with control, are granted new sight so they can see the world as it really is … to see the world as God sees it and to change one’s life so as to live as a true follower of Christ.”
The early words of Jesus found in Luke’s “…Gospel present us with profound insights … the way of Christian living is to work for social justice.”
Horan continues, “What Jesus has been anointed to …do is proclaim the in-breaking of the kingdom of God, which is seen when justice and mercy reign in our world. Those who are bound by the shackles of injustice, discrimination, marginalization, oppression, fear, and violence are captives … [and] conversely, those who are blinded by greed, selfishness, lust for power, desire for wealth, obsession with control, are granted new sight so they can see the world as it really is … to see the world as God sees it and to change one’s life so as to live as a true follower of Christ.”
The early words of Jesus found in Luke’s “…Gospel present us with profound insights … the way of Christian living is to work for social justice.”
On the Cross Jesus’ dying words tell us of His love for the Father and us. Jesus was obedient to the Father and knowingly died for us. In the same way, we need to die to our self-interest and self-preservation and offer our skills and abilities to God and our neighbour, where ever we find her/him. Among His last words Jesus calls out, “It is finished” and a while later says, “Father, into your hands I commend my spirit”. Jesus was obedient to the end but we know that Good |
Friday was not the end. It only leads to the “good news”. The Word is our way to do the same, which we all know as, “going from Gospel to life and life to Gospel”. The Gospel instructs us to work for justice, peace and care of creation!
Peace and joy!
George Guimond ofs
Peace and joy!
George Guimond ofs