Love in Justice 

The Sixth Sunday of Easter's readings are all about love, and not the sentimental feelings that pass for love from the movies. The Bible talks about the love that is deep and full-the kind that causes you to sacrifice for others, and even lay down your life for another. This deep love is both personal and public; it necessarily flows out to people nearby and those far away. I am reminded of the Cornel West quote: "Justice is what love looks like in public." 

Peter challenges us to know that God "shows no partiality" (Acts 10:34), but accepts people "in every nation" that honors God and acts uprightly (10:35). Thus, we do not get a free pass just because we find ourselves in the right group, "with God on our side." Jesus says that we will remain in his amazing love when we love one another. Any attempt to hold onto God's love only for our group gets blown open by the first letter of John: "everyone who loves is begotten by God and knows God" (1 Jn 4:7).

Focusing on love of neighbor sounds like focusing on good works, and we have probably all heard about the old debate of Faith vs. Works. Let's put it to rest with the Catholic and Lutheran church officials coming together in 1999 for the Joint Declaration on the Doctrine of Justification: we are justified by God's grace. But justification is such a low goal! I think God wants much for from us than to be "justified." We are created for relationship, for life in God's love, for joyful union with our Beloved.

Lonnie Ellis, OFS

Join a Franciscan Call for Prayer and Fasting for Peace and Justice

In an open letter, FAN member Sandra McConnell, OFS, of St. David's fraternity in Washington, Mich., shares "A Franciscan Call for Prayer and Fasting for Peace and Justice." Sandra also suggests that we "use Pope John Paul II's Decalogue of Assisi for Peace ... as a guide for developing these intentions." Sandra's call extends until Easter 2014.

You can read the full text of Sandra's letter and the Decalogue and acknowledge your participation in this spiritual union by signing on at "A Franciscan Call" blog.

Push for Keystone XL Pipeline Still Flows

FAN member Rod Clifton, Director of the U.S. Veterans Clean Energy CoOperative in the Houston area, alerted FAN to the plight of east Texas landowner Julia Trigg Crawford. TransCanada, the company that aims to build the Keystone XL pipeline through east Texas, has invoked Eminent Domain to seize Julia's farmland. In this short video, Julia defends the clean water source and Caddo Indian burial grounds on her farmland. Julia will appeal the ruling against her farm in court on June 13. Please pray for Julia and her family and legal team as they prepare. You can learn more on her website. 

FAN Board President on the House Budget

Sr. Margaret Mary Kimmins, OSF, President of the FAN Board of Directors, wrote an article in The Hill Newspaper on Catholic Social Teaching and the budget that the House of Representatives passed last month.

FAN works with other organizations to promote a Faithful Federal Budget.

Franciscans Stand with Immigrants

Recently, the Supreme Court heard arguments on Arizona's anti-immigrant law, SB 1070, in United States vs. Arizona. The Court's ruling is expected in June. FAN staff, Board Members, Action Commissioners, and other Franciscans participated in a 48-hour prayer vigil at the Supreme Court. Access prayers and other resources on FAN's homepage.

See a short video of FAN Board Member Fr. Peter Lyons, TOR speaking on the steps of the Supreme Court.

FAN signed a faith-based organizations' amicus brief ("Brief for the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights") describing the harm that Arizona law S.B. 1070 would cause to immigrants, even U.S. citizens, if implemented. Because the intent of S.B. 1070 has spread to other states, the Court's decision in the Arizona case will shape the fates of residents in states across the country. 

Grant, almighty God,
that we may celebrate with heartfelt devotion these days of joy,
which we keep in honor of the risen Lord,
and that what we relive in remembrance

we may always hold to in what we do.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

(Prayer for the Sixth Sunday of Easter)

Inspired by the Gospel of Jesus, and the example of saints Francis and Clare, the Franciscan Action Network (FAN) is a collective Franciscan voice seeking to transform U.S. public policy related to peacemaking, care for creation, poverty, and human rights.