By Fr. Justin Fulton
We, in this country, in this generation, are — by destiny rather than by choice — the watchmen on the walls of world freedom. We ask, therefore, that we may be worthy of our power and responsibility, that we may exercise our strength with wisdom and restraint, and that we may achieve in our time and for all time the ancient vision of “peace on earth, good will toward men.” That must always be our goal, and the righteousness of our cause must always underlie our strength. For as was written long ago: “except the Lord keep the city, the watchmen waketh but in vain.”
-President John F. Kennedy, Remarks Intended for Delivery at the Dallas Trade Mart, Never Given. Nov. 22 1963.
It has been 56 years to the day that President Kennedy was assassinated in Dallas.
It is eerie to read a deceased man’s words they were to give while they were still alive. It is haunting.
The words JFK intended to speak above transcend 1963. Those words are just as applicable today as they were back then. Say what you will about JFK the man, his politics, and his personal struggles; his words here hold weight in our time today.
Each generation has a moment that defines their time. Pearl Harbor. Dallas. September 11. All of us can remember where we were when those moments hit. All of us are affected. And all of us have the free will to choose how we respond to those events. Every choice we make manifests our internal values. Our values are shown in our actions.
Our actions define our character. Our character helps determine where we end up for Eternity.
JFK points out to us it is God’s work and ours to bring peace to our societies. Quoting the Gospel of Luke and the Book of Psalms, JFK invites his intended audience to join together with God to bring about a just and ordered society, a society that respects the dignity of human personhood and freedom, a society enveloped by peace.
Here in our little corner of God’s vineyard we at CSS—fueled by God’s grace—work to bring internal peace, steadfast hope, and Christ’s endearing love to the people we serve. We invite you to join with us. Help us bring our neighbors Hope in the Good Life by contacting our offices in Imperial, Hastings, Lincoln, and Auburn.
We have numerous volunteer opportunities available. From food distribution, to food pantries, to mentoring opportunities, thrift store help, and to eating and chatting alongside the hungry daily in our Guadalupe Center in Lincoln, our outreach centers are hubs of encounter in which we lift each other’s spirits with compassionate smiles and laughter.
May we choose to be Christ’s Light in a world marred by strife. May we live greatly! And may we all allow God to work through us to bring peace to His people.
Thank you for your support of Catholic Social Services. May God bless us all!
Visit www.cssisus.org/what_you_can_do/volunteer.html for details about volunteer opportunities at CSS.
