As daughters of Saint Julie Billiart, marked in Baptism to follow Jesus and participate in His liberating mission, we choose to stand with people made poor in a world increasingly divided. We see the value of human life diminished, the destruction of our earth and intolerance towards people perceived to be different, poor or abandoned. Rooted in the prophetic witness of Saint Julie, we are called and seek to be women of justice and peace in the midst of the inequality and violence of our world. We see ourselves as part of a global community seeking to transform unjust structures and systems, participating in new ways of relating which enable all of creation to experience God's goodness. This moment in history calls us to contemplative listening, ongoing dialogue and critical social analysis that moves us to ACTION.
Five loaves and two fishes. Not nearly enough to feed the five thousand. So, the disciples reasoned: just give up – let’s not embarrass ourselves.
We might feel the same when it comes to the gun crisis/pandemic we now experience in this country. Most Americans want the guns off the streets and assault weapons off the internet. But even though we are the majority, we are completely flummoxed by lawmakers who will not budge.
Furthermore, we have already signed numerous petitions, made phone calls, prayed for victims, and even called the names of the dear children of Uvalde. What more is there?
But to make changes, we must elect lawmakers who can afford to stand up to proponents of guns such as the NRA. We have seen too many tiny coffins and too much death. We want common-sense gun laws!
How can we influence this change?
At the time of elections there are several letter-writing groups targeting potential voters in key elections. These letters have been proven, through scientific testing, to increase the likelihood that a voter will turn out in an election. Usually, you pay for postage and, of course, it takes time, but it is better than giving in to frustration and uselessness.
The apostles thought of the loaves and fishes as being worthless compared to the great need. But it was enough—more than enough! What would our advocacy look like if we acknowledge our power? We believe in plowshares over swords. We can shake the status quo and help elect anti-gun lawmakers. Remove the word produce and substitute — help elect lawmakers who will support common sense gun reform.