FRANCISCAN FOR JUSTICE AND PEACE

INDIFFERENCE DOES VIOLENCE

One who is indifferent to his brothers makes an emphatic statement: I am not interested or concerned about your goals, needs, or burdens. Indifference does violence by reversing the Gospel values of generosity, caring, mutual love and support. It perfects selfishness and erodes the selfless commitment that builds fraternity.

This kind of indifference can be devastating to the life of a fraternity. It may go well for a time for the bother who lives a kind of life that ignores the needs and burdens of others. He must hope that he can always maintain his independence and health. Otherwise, he may someday be forced to turn to the brothers he refused to care about.

Whatever we create in our relationship with each other, we will have to live with for many years to come. Indifference builds walls of separation and establishes islands that cause pain, and keeps us from knowing each other better. The elimination of indifference is a step toward God who is present in my brother.

Let also live in solidarity with one another in our country irrespective of creed, colour and race. Let us work for Justice and Peace. Our Capuchin way of life through embracing Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, offers AN ALTERNATIVE TO VIOLENCE. Imperfect as we are , it is our desire to live in peace and each other and all creation. The foundation and strengthen of our fraternity is the whole notion of brotherhood. Everything about brotherhood establishes peace and leads to God.

Our statement to the world about violence begins with our authenticity.

The more we become brothers to teach others, the more we can offer the world a testimony to the value of non-violent peaceful Gospel living. Thus, whenever we raise our voice to denounce the terrible presence of violence and injustice in the world, our words will be supported by the way we live.

In solidarity, Bro. Joe Matthews ofmcap.