Holy Week
ONE is a movement that is uniting people from across the United States–progressives and conservatives, Republicans and Democrats, even both Yankees fans and Red Sox fans*, and, of course, people from every religion.
But sometimes people think this non-partisanship is a subtle way of asking people to leave their faith or politics at home. It’s not.
To share an anecdote: At the Power 100 Summit, Paul Begala came to speak to us about communication. As you may know he became famous by advising Bill Clinton in his successful run for president in 1992. He’s a partisan Democrat and devout Catholic, and one student asked him a question that went something like this, “I’m a person of faith and sometimes I feel we can’t talk about that much with politics. What about your faith motivates you in politics?”
He went on to explain he was proud to be a Democrat because as the Bible says, we should be our brother’s keeper–treat our neighbors as we treat ourselves. That is why he feels strongly about global poverty and came to speak for the ONE conference.
Whether your faith makes you believe strongly in the responsibility to care for your global neighbors or you feel motivated by your belief in the sanctity of life, or maybe something else entirely, don’t be afraid let your faith motivate your work for ONE.
This week is Holy Week and this Sunday is Easter Sunday. If you want resources to help your parish or church get involved in ONE this holiday there are many resources (and people to contact) at the ONE Faith website.
Several of ONE’s partners and member organizations have resources as well including Jubilee U.S.A. and Bread for the World.
To end with a personal note, a quote from my patron saint:
“The Most Blessed Sacrament is Christ made visible. The poor sick person is Christ again made visible.” -Saint Gerard Majella
– Steve
* – And even some of the dozen of so Tampa Bay Rays fans that exist. I would know, I’m one of them!
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