FAITH MATTERS

A Table of Abundance: 

Recent news reports on the conflict in Gaza have been devastating to read. The violence, loss of human life and targeting of children have been challenging to comprehend. It feels like a heavy time in the world, given the injustice occurring to innocent lives. It’s important that we take a moment during these times to stop, reflect and pray.

Ms Wright’s 9D RE Class took some time the other week to reflect on what they are grateful for in our land of Australia, and lit a candle to pray for those who are experiencing challenges in the Middle East. 

The space created was called ‘A Table of Abundance.’ On the table was native flora from around our school, olive oil, water and a ration pack for refugees. Using these symbols, we reflected on the passage from Psalm 36:5-9: 

“Your steadfast love, O Lord, extends to the heavens, your faithfulness to the clouds. Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains, your judgments are like the great deep; you save humans and animals alike, O Lord. How precious is your steadfast love, O God! All people may take refuge in the shadow of your wings. They feast on the abundance of your house, and you give them drink from the river of your delights. For with you is the fountain of life; in your light we see light.”

In God’s light, we see light..perhaps that is something we can all reflect on this week. 

If you’d like to donate to Caritas Australia’s Gaza Crisis Appeal, please go online to www.caritas.org.au/gaza or phone 1800 024 413. 

Women of the World: a view on leadership from Babita Pinto, Caritas India

I was grateful to attend a presentation at ACU Melbourne last week by Babita Pinto, who is the Head of Programs at Caritas India (the first woman in the history of Caritas India to hold that role). Babita spoke of the current social inequalities occurring in India, particularly in India’s rural areas and towards their Indigenous peoples. What was striking, was the immense rates of disadvantage experienced by women due to the caste system, patriarchal society and religious tensions. These intersectional issues are historically deeply rooted, yet Babita is a driving force to changing the culture of disadvantage on the ground, with the people who experience these social injustices daily. She empowers them through her words, actions and advocacy on a local, national and international level. 

It was admirable to hear how Babita liaises with both bishops and laity in her role. Given the “culture of obedience” in India, Babita recognises the benefits of such, but also warns that a culture of obedience “should not also contribute to creating a situation where you feel inferior.”

St Mother Teresa said “I alone can’t change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create ripples,” and Babita echoes that sentiment. I walked away feeling inspired by Babita’s courage and determination as a female leader in the social justice space. 

For a summary of the talk, please visit: https://melbournecatholic.org/news/creating-ripples-caritas-indias-babita-pinto-on-improving-womens-lives