Solidarity: Girl Murdered in Afghanistan

The world definitely has a responsibility to helping abused young women who have been taken advantage of. According to Rights and Responsibilities, humans have basic rights, which this girl has not been allowed. Additionally, according to Rights and Responsibilities, we as humans have a responsibility to ensure that all human beings receive these basic rights. 

Another principle of Catholic Social teaching that should be applied here is solidarity. According to solidarity, we are all brothers and sisters and an image in God's likeness. Therefore, we must stand up for an prevent instances like these, in which innocent girls have been injured or killed.

I believe that the world responds much more when there are global issues such as tsunamis or hurricanes. There is definitely a difference in shock because natural disasters seem to affect more people and are less predictable. However, we are ignorant to the many that are killed such as this girl from Afghanistan. 

The seven principles of Catholic Social Teaching teach us that, as God's children, we must protect abused young women. 

The Year of Faith

I think that the Bishop's suggestions on how to live this year of faith are very do-able. They are ten things that Catholics should have already incorporated into their lives. However, if they have not, they can use this year of faith as a new beginning and start over in their faith. 

 There are many ways I could resolve to start my year of faith. I can be more attentive to others, and help in any way that I can. This can be within my family, if a parent needs help shuttling my brothers around to various sports activities. Or, this can be in school, if a fellow student needs assistance with a Calc problem set or with an English paper. 

 Additionally, I can attend mass more often. My family attends mass as often as we can, but that does not always mean every week. Occasionally sport events, family emergencies, or other things get in the way in our weekly participation in the mass. Attending mass may also mean going to the weekly communion services help right here at Mount. 

 Prayer is a way I can live my year of faith strongly. I can incorporate daily prayer into my routine by taking a minute out of my hectic day to say a prayer: whether it be a prayer of thanks, a prayer of asking for help, or just an ordinary prayer. 

 The fourth way that I can follow the year of faith is to live by the ten commandments and avoid the seven deadly sins. The ten commandments are especially important to follow because they are the word of God. This is a great way to live the year of faith. Avoiding the seven deadly sins is always important, but we should be especially aware of it during the year of faith.

 The last but not least way to live out the year of faith is to read the Bible daily. This is one of Bishop Ricken's suggestions, but it is of utmost importance. The Bible is the word of God, so reading it can help us become closer to God in a sense that we are understanding his words.