Oscar Romero is another example of someone who scarified everything to help others. was a of the in . he witnessed numerous violations of and began a ministry speaking out on behalf of the poor and victims of the country's civil war. His brand of political activism was denounced by the hierarchy of the Roman Catholic Church and the government of El Salvador. Romero spoke out against military aid to the new government and wrote to President in February warning that increased military aid would "undoubtedly sharpen the injustice and the repression inflicted on the organized people, whose struggle has often been for their most basic human rights". He fought for civil rights and justice for the poor of el salvador.
Another example is Janani Jakaliya Luwum was the of the Church of Uganda. He was a leading voice in criticizing the excesses of the Idi Amin regime that assumed power in 1971. In 1977, Archbishop Luwum delivered a note of protest to dictator Idi Amin against the policies of arbitrary killings and unexplained disappearances. Shortly afterwards the archbishop and other leading churchmen were accused of . He like Oscar Romero spoke up for his country and the injustice it suffered. He like Oscar Romero was killed by government officals for speaking the truth. Both janani and Oscar romero are examples of people who scarificed their lives for Christ. They reflect the qualtites needed of a disciple of christ. they suffered for what they believed to be right. They did as jesus did and suffered for the good of others.
These are all examples of people who scarified everything. They became like children and depended on God. They risked their own lives to spread the word of God.
Christians can follow their example by leading their lives according to the bible. They work towards a better life for everyone. They work for peace and justice and end to poverty. Corrymeela and Trocaire are both examples of organizations set up by people who want to make a difference in the world. These organizations also reflect the true qualities of discipleship. Their work has helped millions of people through out the world. Corrymeela is living up to Jesus teachings about loving your neighbour. At Corrymeela people follow this teaching by communicating with others of different religions.
In marks Gospel we are told the most important commandment is ‘ love the lord with all your heart and to love your neighbour as yourself. Christians are called to put this command into action in their lives. This is mainly done through kindness and forgiveness towards others. People must be willing to forgive who repent for what they have done wrong, not all people are able to do this. Anthony walkers mother forgave her son’s killers on national television. She was following the teachings of Jesus and showed true discipleship qualities through the ordeal. She is an example of someone who suffered to follow her beliefs. Jesus is the most obvious example of someone who forgives during a time of great suffering. While Jesus was on the cross, he forgives his betrayer and those who had aided his suffering. True disciples must be willing to forgive even through dark and difficult times.
We live in a very commercial society. Money and material items are peoples main concern everywhere across the world the story of the ‘rich young man’ remind us that we need to put God first and not money or material items. The ‘widow at the temple’ is an example of someone who followed the teachings of discipleship, as poor as she was she gave all she had.
Christians today face many challenges. Sufferings such as famine, death, pain and disease can cause people to lose faith in God. It is often hard to have faith when sufferings are occurring everywhere. The calming of the storm is an example of when the disciples lost faith. Their human fears overtook them. In Mk 8: 34 Jesus tells the disciples that the cost of their faith would be great. Many incidents such as September 11th have occurred which have reminded us the cost of being a disciple. This incident caused many people to rethink their actions and look on life. Marks Gospel tells us not to give up or lose faith in times of need. In the garden of Gethsemane God helped Jesus to over come his fear and restore his faith.
There are two ways of interpreting Christ’s word today
- The literal way-, which is scarifying everything to help other. There are many examples of this. Priests work to serve their parishes and God. Missionaries help third world countries ECT.
- The other way of interpreting Christ’s word is through everyday living which is the interpretation many of us chose. We can do this by small acts of kindness and forgiveness.
The teaching of marks Gospel reminds us that God must be at the centre of our lives and the importance of faith even through difficult times. He reminds us that faith will be rewarded with the greatest gift of all eternal life.