social justice

October 11, 2022

Music and the Gospel: “Rise Up,” Andra Day

Despairing is easy. Hoping is harder. Working and praying for justice in today’s world can be an arduous task, just as it was for the widow in Jesus’s parable. However, we are called to persist in hope like she did, even against all odds. Andra Day’s song “Rise Up” is an anthem for those who need help remembering that faith can move mountains, if we only keep rising.      

Key lines: And I’ll rise up / High like the waves / I’ll rise up / In spite of the ache / I’ll rise up / And I’ll do it a thousand times again / … When the silence isn’t quiet / And it feels like it’s getting hard to breathe / And I know you feel like dying / But I promise we’ll take the world to its feet / And move mountains / Bring it to its feet / And move mountains

Questions: How can we continue to persist in prayer and action towards justice? Where does our hope come from? How can we support and uplift each other as we rise against our challenges?

February 4, 2022

Music and the Gospel: “Better Than Today,” Rhys Lewis

This week’s SPIRIT tells us the story of Father Tolton, the first African-American priest, whose dedicated ministry wore him out too young. Racism and white privilege persist—Jim Crow laws, current incarceration levels, the death of too many young African Americans. Black Lives Matter. Accepting all who are different from us challenges us every day. Father Tolton gives an inspiring example of persevering against ignorance to serve Black Catholic parishes. The song “Better Than Today” is reminds us all of the strength we have inside of us and create positive change within our community and the people around us.

Key Lyrics: I don’t read the headlines / And I don’t watch the news / ‘Cause silence faith in something every time I do / Well I don’t need to bury / My head in the sand / But I’m just tryna live this life as best as I can / Times get tough / But I don’t give up / ‘Cause I know I’m not alone

Questions: When have you experienced prejudice? How did it make you feel? What did the experience teach you? When have you recognized prejudice in yourself? Who in your school or city have you seen disrespected? How did you handle it? What are some ways you can combat prejudice in your school or city?

October 15, 2021

Music and the Gospel: “Once A Day,” Michael Franti, ft. Sona Rele & Supa Dups

“Whoever among you wants to be first must serve the needs of all. The Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve.” This week’s SPIRIT focuses on service and the ways we can use our gifts to serve people who need our skills to help make our communities and the world a better place. COVID has shown us that many people do not have adequate access to basic necessities, whether this means a decent income to pay rent, healthcare, the internet, even food. Hearing Jesus’ call to serve means finding ways to share our resources and sustain our neighbors and community. Michael Franti’s song “Once A Day” reminds us that a movement to help others can start from one small spark, one person. “To be great means to serve all.”

Key lines: I heard the purpose of life’s to live a life full of purpose / And so don’t ever take for granted what the spirit has given you / In the first verse / You might never get a second verse / This ain’t a rehearsal, you can’t put it in reverse / Believe in yourself, don’t let nobody be a negative / Or tell you what to do / ‘Cause I know (’cause I know) / In this sweet, sweet life that just this much is true / ….And we all will rise up (spread your wings and fly) / And we all will rise up

Questions: What service to others can you do or start in your community or school? What has past experience working on a service project taught you or how has it changed your perspective? How do you define “greatness?” How does Jesus define “greatness?” What kind of community do you want for yourself and the world?

March 4, 2021

Music and the Gospel: “Girls Like Us,” Zoe Wees – 3rd Sunday of Lent

The first readings on Sunday’s during Lent feature great moments in Israel’s history, this week the giving of the ten commandments. SPIRIT explores what the commandments ask of us in our relationship with God and with our families, friends, neighbors, and even people we dislike. The commandments expect us to respect all people because ALL are equal in the eyes of God. Poverty leaves some people, especially women, without basic needs for themselves or their children. In many cultures and countries, women have few rights, little education, and diminished access to opportunities. Zoe Wees’ song “Girls Like Us” is about empowerment, strength, and continuing to fight for a better life, one where all have rights and protections.

Key Lyrics: It’s hard for girls like us / We don’t know who we trust / Not even the ones we love / ‘Cause they don’t know / Try to numb this pain / ‘Cause we don’t wanna get hurt again / Left alone out in the rain / They don’t know

Questions: What injustices do you experience or see in your school or neighborhood?  In the world today? Who is working to right these injustices? How can you help? What commandments are especially important today? What new commandments do we need? How do you stand up for what you believe?

April 20, 2020

Music and the Gospel: “Love With Your Life,” Hollyn, 3rd Sunday of Easter

“Eucharist is the central action of the Christian community…It’s where we find the future we want to commit ourselves to build.” Spirit explores how every Eucharist calls us to put our faith into action and to love with our lives as Jesus did, reaching out to all, familiar friends and new and different people. Hollyn’s song “Love With Your Life” boldly challenges us to live life fully and become symbols of hope and change, whether by helping someone obtain a simple meal, learning about a social issue, or taking an active role in social justice issues.

Key Lines: You gotta love with your life / Like a fire burning strong / Til’ the night has come and gone / There’s a hope that lives in you / You gotta love with your life / Like a warrior / Fight, lay it on the line / If you wanna see a change / You gotta love with your life

Questions: When have you been unable to ignore the plight of someone in your school or community? What did you do to help in that moment? What situations or people do you feel your community ignores? How can you make people more aware of this issue? What does Eucharist teach you about loving with your life?

Check out these Social Justice Resources to learn more getting involved in your school and community.