New Feminism

I get so excited about the New Feminism. I love knowing that I am a true feminist.....Pope John Paul II writes:

"The New Feminism" summons the world to "acknowledge and affirm the true genius of women in every aspect of the life of society, and overcome all discrimination, violence and exploitation." **

The New Feminist movement rejects the temptation of imitating models of 'male domination' which, we must not forget is not in God's plan for the role of men but a flat-out rejection of it; rather, the "New Feminism" is one which affirms the dignity of women. **

Pope John Paul writes:

Women first learn and then teach others that human relations are authentic if they are open to accepting the other person:
- a person who is recognized and loved because of their human dignity which comes from being a person and not from any other considerations, such as usefulness, strength, intelligence, beauty, or health. This is the fundamental contribution which the Church and humanity expect from women. And it is the indispensable prerequisite for an authentic cultural change. **


This really struck me when I read this passage. THE FUNDAMENTAL CONTRIBUTION THAT THE CHURCH REQUIRES FROM WOMEN IS TO LEARN HOW TO RECOGNIZE AND LOVE PEOPLE SIMPLY BECAUSE THEY EXIST.

In St. Petersburg there are a ton of homeless people. (Warm weather makes for better living conditions). I can remember a specific time when we were drinking coffee and observing a homeless man who had not moved during the duration of our coffee break. Person after person walked past him. No one really even glanced at him. Then we discussed whether or not we should interfere. Do we go wake him to ensure that he is ok? Do we leave him alone? Getting my friend to even approach the man (he is male) was challenging but eventually he did. The man had not passed out or worse and was sleeping. That situation makes me wonder about what people think about a homeless mans sense of worth and dignity. No one bothered to see if he was dead or alive. No one really cared to make sure he was still breathing. How can we as Catholic women continue to be emphathetic and mindful of all human beings regardless of their situations?

On a slightly different page there is the matter of those that have hurt us. How do we lovingly forgive and embrace those that have hurt us? It is necessary to identify the worth and dignity of these people as a children of God. Those created in His image and likeness. Of course the grace of God is absolutely necessary to truly begin to look at the essence of a person and see his worth. But JP II is counting on women to be the leaders of this calling. He is asking women to do this more than anything else we might do in our lives.

It is beautiful how being mothers falls right into this calling. We are called to be spiritual and physical mothers in this world which is the ultimate means of respecting human dignity. Allowing our bodies to be vessels of life, whether it be through a child or as a loving example of Christ to another person is the highest of callings. And women are called!!!

I love that our beloved JP II has challenged us, called us, inspired us. He knew that addressing the heart and mind of the women would result in wondrous changes in the world. Now it is our job to listen and embrace that call and contribute to the world.

*Taken from John Paul II, Evangelium Vitae, 99