RE-humanize this Lent
Reflection Questions and ResponsesSee below the reflection responses and feedback from some of our members who attended RE-humanize the Lent. We offer these as a way to open dialogue and thus build relationships, something desperately needed in these troubling times.
Each week’s questions will be posted below the appropriate heading. (Jump to each specific week using the bookmarks in the beige strip below.)
To submit a response, click here.
Week One
What are my initial thoughts about the connection between speech that demonizes others and potential violence as well as polarization? Did anything I heard in the presentations surprise me or make me see the issue in a new light? Might I be called to re-examine my own speech during this sacred season?
The Public Health Approach to Gun Violence Prevention
The Educational Fund to Stop Gun Violence (Ed Fund) released a report last week, "The Public Health Approach to Gun Violence Prevention," which...
A Migrants Novena
FAN Member Carolyn D. Townes, OFS is the National Animator of Justice Peace and Integrity of Creation for the U.S. Secular Franciscan Order and has...
Franciscan Action Network Offers Prayers for President-Elect Biden and Healing for the Nation
November 7, 2020 Washington, DC - Franciscan Action Network congratulates President-Elect Joe Biden and Vice President-Elect Kamala Harris. We pray...
NYC Solidarity Table Hosts Election Engagement Webinar
The New York City Franciscan Solidarity Table hosted a webinar in October, 2020 on many issues in relation to election engagement. Attendees heard...
Franciscan Action Network Offers Prayers for the Trumps’ Recovery
October 2, 2020 Washington, D.C. – Franciscan Action Network and Franciscan-hearted people everywhere offer their prayers for the full recovery of...
200 Catholic Leaders Call for AG Barr to Reject Award from National Catholic Prayer Breakfast
September 21, 2020 Washington, D.C. – More than 200 Catholic priests, sisters, theologians, and lay leaders from across the country have signed onto...
2020: A Franciscan Moment
Description: The year 2020 has been a challenge for our nation. It has been a year like no other. Yet, its challenges call for Franciscan values....
Learn, Pray, and Act with the Franciscan Action Network During the Season of Creation
This year, Catholics all over the world celebrated the 5th anniversary of the publication of Pope Francis’ encyclical on the environment, Laudato...
Immigration Advocacy: Latest Events and Updates
There is a lot going on for immigration advocates over the next few weeks. Here is a list of events you may be interested in. The Catholic...
Week Two
In the Gospel according to Luke (4:1-13), Jesus is tempted by the devil to abuse his power as the Son of God in several ways. As a child of God, can I think of times when I have underestimated or undervalued the power of my speech, thereby causing harm, even if unintentionally? And times when I’ve underestimated the power of my speech to do good?
The Public Health Approach to Gun Violence Prevention
The Educational Fund to Stop Gun Violence (Ed Fund) released a report last week, "The Public Health Approach to Gun Violence Prevention," which...
A Migrants Novena
FAN Member Carolyn D. Townes, OFS is the National Animator of Justice Peace and Integrity of Creation for the U.S. Secular Franciscan Order and has...
Franciscan Action Network Offers Prayers for President-Elect Biden and Healing for the Nation
November 7, 2020 Washington, DC - Franciscan Action Network congratulates President-Elect Joe Biden and Vice President-Elect Kamala Harris. We pray...
NYC Solidarity Table Hosts Election Engagement Webinar
The New York City Franciscan Solidarity Table hosted a webinar in October, 2020 on many issues in relation to election engagement. Attendees heard...
Franciscan Action Network Offers Prayers for the Trumps’ Recovery
October 2, 2020 Washington, D.C. – Franciscan Action Network and Franciscan-hearted people everywhere offer their prayers for the full recovery of...
200 Catholic Leaders Call for AG Barr to Reject Award from National Catholic Prayer Breakfast
September 21, 2020 Washington, D.C. – More than 200 Catholic priests, sisters, theologians, and lay leaders from across the country have signed onto...
2020: A Franciscan Moment
Description: The year 2020 has been a challenge for our nation. It has been a year like no other. Yet, its challenges call for Franciscan values....
Learn, Pray, and Act with the Franciscan Action Network During the Season of Creation
This year, Catholics all over the world celebrated the 5th anniversary of the publication of Pope Francis’ encyclical on the environment, Laudato...
Immigration Advocacy: Latest Events and Updates
There is a lot going on for immigration advocates over the next few weeks. Here is a list of events you may be interested in. The Catholic...
Week Three
Cardinal Sean O’Malley has quoted Pope Paul VI in saying that dehumanizing discourse, including racism, not only wounds its target but that the speaker is also “mutilated by their selfishness.” In what way might my selfishness–the perceived self-interest that causes me to distance myself from others with whom I am at odds–mutilate me? Has my image of anyone been “mutilated” after I heard that person use dehumanizing or demonizing language about another?
(Sources: See this recent talk by Cardinal O’Malley, as well as this 2007 post.)
Suggested action: Take a walk outside to find signs of the changing season, such as green shoots or blooms on plants springing out of older, dried out growth. Take a photo and use it to remind yourself that you can change–and others can as well.
The Public Health Approach to Gun Violence Prevention
The Educational Fund to Stop Gun Violence (Ed Fund) released a report last week, "The Public Health Approach to Gun Violence Prevention," which...
A Migrants Novena
FAN Member Carolyn D. Townes, OFS is the National Animator of Justice Peace and Integrity of Creation for the U.S. Secular Franciscan Order and has...
Franciscan Action Network Offers Prayers for President-Elect Biden and Healing for the Nation
November 7, 2020 Washington, DC - Franciscan Action Network congratulates President-Elect Joe Biden and Vice President-Elect Kamala Harris. We pray...
NYC Solidarity Table Hosts Election Engagement Webinar
The New York City Franciscan Solidarity Table hosted a webinar in October, 2020 on many issues in relation to election engagement. Attendees heard...
Franciscan Action Network Offers Prayers for the Trumps’ Recovery
October 2, 2020 Washington, D.C. – Franciscan Action Network and Franciscan-hearted people everywhere offer their prayers for the full recovery of...
200 Catholic Leaders Call for AG Barr to Reject Award from National Catholic Prayer Breakfast
September 21, 2020 Washington, D.C. – More than 200 Catholic priests, sisters, theologians, and lay leaders from across the country have signed onto...
2020: A Franciscan Moment
Description: The year 2020 has been a challenge for our nation. It has been a year like no other. Yet, its challenges call for Franciscan values....
Learn, Pray, and Act with the Franciscan Action Network During the Season of Creation
This year, Catholics all over the world celebrated the 5th anniversary of the publication of Pope Francis’ encyclical on the environment, Laudato...
Immigration Advocacy: Latest Events and Updates
There is a lot going on for immigration advocates over the next few weeks. Here is a list of events you may be interested in. The Catholic...
Week Four
When was the last time you gave yourself the opportunity to have a serious conversation with someone with whom you didn’t agree, thereby allowing yourself to learn and grow? If you have avoided such conversations–or had them and regretted how they went–how could you approach the next one with a re-humanizing lens so as to be more open to growth?
The Public Health Approach to Gun Violence Prevention
The Educational Fund to Stop Gun Violence (Ed Fund) released a report last week, "The Public Health Approach to Gun Violence Prevention," which...
A Migrants Novena
FAN Member Carolyn D. Townes, OFS is the National Animator of Justice Peace and Integrity of Creation for the U.S. Secular Franciscan Order and has...
Franciscan Action Network Offers Prayers for President-Elect Biden and Healing for the Nation
November 7, 2020 Washington, DC - Franciscan Action Network congratulates President-Elect Joe Biden and Vice President-Elect Kamala Harris. We pray...
NYC Solidarity Table Hosts Election Engagement Webinar
The New York City Franciscan Solidarity Table hosted a webinar in October, 2020 on many issues in relation to election engagement. Attendees heard...
Franciscan Action Network Offers Prayers for the Trumps’ Recovery
October 2, 2020 Washington, D.C. – Franciscan Action Network and Franciscan-hearted people everywhere offer their prayers for the full recovery of...
200 Catholic Leaders Call for AG Barr to Reject Award from National Catholic Prayer Breakfast
September 21, 2020 Washington, D.C. – More than 200 Catholic priests, sisters, theologians, and lay leaders from across the country have signed onto...
2020: A Franciscan Moment
Description: The year 2020 has been a challenge for our nation. It has been a year like no other. Yet, its challenges call for Franciscan values....
Learn, Pray, and Act with the Franciscan Action Network During the Season of Creation
This year, Catholics all over the world celebrated the 5th anniversary of the publication of Pope Francis’ encyclical on the environment, Laudato...
Immigration Advocacy: Latest Events and Updates
There is a lot going on for immigration advocates over the next few weeks. Here is a list of events you may be interested in. The Catholic...
Week Five
While we often think of political violence as involving many people (rioting, insurgency, etc.) or targeting elected officials, it can also involve acts or threats against ordinary citizens. A recent poll of nearly 600 local electoral officials showed that 77% believed that threats to their safety had increased in recent years and 17% had personally experienced threats, which often started with being demonized as “traitors.”
Ask yourself: How can I become more alert to potential violence or threats of violence taking place in my state or community?
The Public Health Approach to Gun Violence Prevention
The Educational Fund to Stop Gun Violence (Ed Fund) released a report last week, "The Public Health Approach to Gun Violence Prevention," which...
A Migrants Novena
FAN Member Carolyn D. Townes, OFS is the National Animator of Justice Peace and Integrity of Creation for the U.S. Secular Franciscan Order and has...
Franciscan Action Network Offers Prayers for President-Elect Biden and Healing for the Nation
November 7, 2020 Washington, DC - Franciscan Action Network congratulates President-Elect Joe Biden and Vice President-Elect Kamala Harris. We pray...
NYC Solidarity Table Hosts Election Engagement Webinar
The New York City Franciscan Solidarity Table hosted a webinar in October, 2020 on many issues in relation to election engagement. Attendees heard...
Franciscan Action Network Offers Prayers for the Trumps’ Recovery
October 2, 2020 Washington, D.C. – Franciscan Action Network and Franciscan-hearted people everywhere offer their prayers for the full recovery of...
200 Catholic Leaders Call for AG Barr to Reject Award from National Catholic Prayer Breakfast
September 21, 2020 Washington, D.C. – More than 200 Catholic priests, sisters, theologians, and lay leaders from across the country have signed onto...
2020: A Franciscan Moment
Description: The year 2020 has been a challenge for our nation. It has been a year like no other. Yet, its challenges call for Franciscan values....
Learn, Pray, and Act with the Franciscan Action Network During the Season of Creation
This year, Catholics all over the world celebrated the 5th anniversary of the publication of Pope Francis’ encyclical on the environment, Laudato...
Immigration Advocacy: Latest Events and Updates
There is a lot going on for immigration advocates over the next few weeks. Here is a list of events you may be interested in. The Catholic...
Week Six
When have I spoken up for someone else who was dehumanized or demonized for their views? Was it someone with whose views I agreed or disagreed? What words did I use to object to their dehumanization and how did that go?
The Public Health Approach to Gun Violence Prevention
The Educational Fund to Stop Gun Violence (Ed Fund) released a report last week, "The Public Health Approach to Gun Violence Prevention," which...
A Migrants Novena
FAN Member Carolyn D. Townes, OFS is the National Animator of Justice Peace and Integrity of Creation for the U.S. Secular Franciscan Order and has...
Franciscan Action Network Offers Prayers for President-Elect Biden and Healing for the Nation
November 7, 2020 Washington, DC - Franciscan Action Network congratulates President-Elect Joe Biden and Vice President-Elect Kamala Harris. We pray...
NYC Solidarity Table Hosts Election Engagement Webinar
The New York City Franciscan Solidarity Table hosted a webinar in October, 2020 on many issues in relation to election engagement. Attendees heard...
Franciscan Action Network Offers Prayers for the Trumps’ Recovery
October 2, 2020 Washington, D.C. – Franciscan Action Network and Franciscan-hearted people everywhere offer their prayers for the full recovery of...
200 Catholic Leaders Call for AG Barr to Reject Award from National Catholic Prayer Breakfast
September 21, 2020 Washington, D.C. – More than 200 Catholic priests, sisters, theologians, and lay leaders from across the country have signed onto...
2020: A Franciscan Moment
Description: The year 2020 has been a challenge for our nation. It has been a year like no other. Yet, its challenges call for Franciscan values....
Learn, Pray, and Act with the Franciscan Action Network During the Season of Creation
This year, Catholics all over the world celebrated the 5th anniversary of the publication of Pope Francis’ encyclical on the environment, Laudato...
Immigration Advocacy: Latest Events and Updates
There is a lot going on for immigration advocates over the next few weeks. Here is a list of events you may be interested in. The Catholic...
Week Seven
How has this Lenten process of considering the links among dehumanization, polarization, and political violence changed my way of thinking and/or behaving? What new tools have I acquired to cope with these issues? What’s the best tip I have learned to help me be a RE-humanizer? What new questions do I have?
The Public Health Approach to Gun Violence Prevention
The Educational Fund to Stop Gun Violence (Ed Fund) released a report last week, "The Public Health Approach to Gun Violence Prevention," which...
A Migrants Novena
FAN Member Carolyn D. Townes, OFS is the National Animator of Justice Peace and Integrity of Creation for the U.S. Secular Franciscan Order and has...
Franciscan Action Network Offers Prayers for President-Elect Biden and Healing for the Nation
November 7, 2020 Washington, DC - Franciscan Action Network congratulates President-Elect Joe Biden and Vice President-Elect Kamala Harris. We pray...
NYC Solidarity Table Hosts Election Engagement Webinar
The New York City Franciscan Solidarity Table hosted a webinar in October, 2020 on many issues in relation to election engagement. Attendees heard...
Franciscan Action Network Offers Prayers for the Trumps’ Recovery
October 2, 2020 Washington, D.C. – Franciscan Action Network and Franciscan-hearted people everywhere offer their prayers for the full recovery of...
200 Catholic Leaders Call for AG Barr to Reject Award from National Catholic Prayer Breakfast
September 21, 2020 Washington, D.C. – More than 200 Catholic priests, sisters, theologians, and lay leaders from across the country have signed onto...
2020: A Franciscan Moment
Description: The year 2020 has been a challenge for our nation. It has been a year like no other. Yet, its challenges call for Franciscan values....
Learn, Pray, and Act with the Franciscan Action Network During the Season of Creation
This year, Catholics all over the world celebrated the 5th anniversary of the publication of Pope Francis’ encyclical on the environment, Laudato...
Immigration Advocacy: Latest Events and Updates
There is a lot going on for immigration advocates over the next few weeks. Here is a list of events you may be interested in. The Catholic...