Formation program for the Eighth Centenary of St. Elizabeth of Hungary

Year Two: THE SPIRITUAL ASPECT

Month 6. Conscience, Peace and Justice Issues.

During the first year of formation we discussed Elizabeth's following of her conscience and her concern for justice. This year we should focus on the principles of conscience and acting for justice and peace in the human community we live in.

Each and every one of us has an innate knowledge of the moral law "written on our hearts" and will be judged by it, as St. Paul reminds us (Romans 2:15). The formation of a good conscience means listening to and understanding what God commands, making it our own and being able to judge our possible actions in our own lives in the light of these teachings. Elizabeth had choices to make in regard to conscience. She had to ask herself whether certain actions were in fact complicity in injustice. This is why she refused unjustly acquired foods at her husband's table, and later from her brother-in-law. To do the right thing according to our conscience is often very difficult. Elizabeth nevertheless did some very hard things to avoid the slightest wrong, even when these things were in opposition to her husband's policies.

But Elizabeth did not only have to avoid being a partner to injustice, she had to perform just acts as well. As a ruler, and as an individual, she listened to the voices of the oppressed and came to their aid. Much of the time we are content to do the minimum to avoid sinning, and leave the more difficult and positive just actions undone. Am I more concerned with merely avoiding evil or with doing good?

Elizabeth did both of these things because she wanted, as St. Francis says, to appear completely sincere before God, as someone who carries Christ within her, and also as one who gives birth to him in her actions. So too with us. Are all my actions such that people can see Christ in them? Is my own life consistent with my beliefs?

As Christians we must bear witness to our belief in the dignity of all people as children of God as brothers and sisters in Christ. We must be concerned about the issues of justice, peace, human rights and dignity, the right to work and a consistent life ethic. Do I speak up when the dignity or human rights of other people are violated in my neighborhood or my city, or do I look the other way? Do I live moderately according to my means, act responsibly with my possessions, and use the surplus to help others? Do I follow public affairs and inform myself about justice issues so I can vote on them according to my conscience? Am I concerned with human rights throughout the world? What positive things can we do as a fraternity to advance peace, justice and human rights?

Scripture

"Why do you call me, 'Lord, Lord,' but not do what I command?" (Luke 6:46).

"If a brother or sister has nothing to wear and has no food for the day, and one of you says to them, "Go in peace, keep warm, and eat well," but you do not give them the necessities of the body, what good is it? So also faith of itself, if it does not have works, is dead." (James 2: 15-17).

"For when the Gentiles who do not have the law by nature observe the prescriptions of the law . . . they show that the demands of the law are written in their hearts, while their conscience also bears witness and their conflicting thoughts accuse or even defend them on the day when, according to my gospel, God will judge people's hidden works through Christ Jesus." (Romans 2:14-16)

Franciscan Documents

"We are mothers when we carry [Christ] in our heart and body through divine love and a pure and sincere conscience; we give birth to him through a holy life which must give light to others by example" (Exhortation of St. Francis to the Brothers and Sisters of Penance).

"Let them individually and collectively be in the forefront in promoting justice by the testimony of their human lives and their courageous initiatives. Especially in the field of public life, they should make definite choices in harmony with their faith." (SFO Rule Chapter I, 15)

"Let them esteem work both as a gift and as a sharing in the creation, redemption, and service of the human community." (SFO Rule Chapter I, 16).

"Mindful that they are bearers of peace which must be built up unceasingly, they should seek out ways of unity and fraternal harmony through dialogue, trusting in the presence of the divine seed in everyone and in the transforming power of love and pardon." (SFO I, 19).