Living with Strength and Kindliness

To Live Life to the Full – Mental Health in Australia Today Social Justice Sunday – August 30th, 2020

The Lord will keep you from all harm—    he will watch over your life;the Lord will watch over your coming and going    both now and forevermore.

(Psalm 121:7-8)

Social Justice Sunday has moved.  In 2020 it will be celebrated on Sunday the 30th of August (about 1 month earlier than usual)

The Readings for Social Justice Sunday (Sunday August 30th) affirm the goodness and faithfulness of God, and of all who struggle with mental ill-health. God is near to those who suffer, and does not leave when the going gets tough: God’s presence and assistance is made manifest in loving words and practical actions in people’s lives as they are. 

The Daily Mass readings for Social Justice Sunday include a First Reading from Jeremiah (20:7-9). Jeremiah makes it clear that choosing to follow Christ means that there will be challenge and hardship. However, those who follow Christ with a burning in their heart for mission will find and enable new life amongst their struggles. God is with those who hunger, thirst and speak for justice, especially when times are most difficult. 

In the New Testament context Jesus always draws near to those who are frail, sick, poor, disabled, suffering mental illhealth, limited, despised, marginalised, or shunned: the Incarnation is God’s definitive statement of solidarity with all people. There is also a seat at the table at the banquet. Instead of drawing away, Jesus always stays close. 

The 2020 Social Justice Statement highlights the ways that mental health can be nourished and supported so that all people can fulfil their potential and flourish within a lifegiving community. Mercy, encouragement, and inclusion are vital; as are the practical supports for growing and maintaining good mental health, like housing stability and financial support. Advocacy for those most vulnerable is necessary.

Bishop Terry Brady from the Bishops Commission for Social Justice, Mission and Service says, ‘this is a timely message in the context of the current Covid – 19 Pandemic.  The pandemic is affecting many members of our parishes, schools and communities.  The personal feelings of anxiety and despair we all share at this time provide an opportunity to become more aware and active in fostering the mental health of all. Understanding mental health will help us to be aware of those who most need our support’.

The Bishops also go on to say that, ‘our society tends to draw away from or to push away, those who confront us with our frailties and limitations,’ which is, ‘completely at odds with the story of Jesus’, who, ‘takes on the frailties of the human condition’.  ‘People who have mental health issues are part of the Body of Christ’ – us!

Prayer for Mental Health 

Jesus, you invite us all into the fullness of life. May we support one another to flourish in body, mind and spirit. Strengthen our commitment to ensure that nobody falls through gaps in our systems of care. People called you mad. Help us to recognise you in those who suffer mental ill-health today. Show us how to eliminate stigmatisation of mental ill-health from our parishes, schools, communities and organisations. You drew near to those who were suffering in body or mind. May we too feel your nearness when we struggle with mental health challenges. May we be one as members of Your Body. You invite us to share in your ministry of love and true compassion. May we be empowered by your Spirit to reach out to all people in need. May we build communities of welcome and inclusion. Amen

Here is a beautiful song for you to listen to some time:  God is Love - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CWhrzbcHcnI

Another resource that you may be interested in is a series of podcasts that present the content of the Statement with conversations with a range of people who have specific knowledge and experience concerning the issues that it raises.  The link to the podcast series is available at:  http://bit.ly/SocialJustice_2020 and on a range of podcast platforms. It is called The Revolution of Tenderness.

The whole Social Justice Statement can be found at: https://socialjustice.catholic.org.au/2020/07/03/social-justice-statement-2020-21/

John 10:10. Jesus says, ‘I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly’.

Kirrilee Westblade

Catholic Identity Leader