I think that the Jesuit value that has appealed to me the most and has been the most evident in my education throughout the past four years is "linking faith and justice." As a Christian growing up I don't think that I ever connected the two. Additionally the fact that there have been so many racially charged incidents over the pasts 5 years, it has made it eve more evident. Many would find it difficult to connect faith and justice. They would say that the two are mutually exclusive and would never truly fit together. Either you are a Christian or an activist. You could never do both. I have realized in the past years that you can be both. In fact, as a follower of Christ, you have to be able to fight for the needs of the poor and oppressed (another Jesuit value). That is exactly what Jesus would do, and in fact did do. He was concerned about others.
When He came to Earth, the Jews were under the control of the Roman Empire. They were quite literally oppressed. While Jesus did not remove that oppression in the way that they thought he would, His actions proved that He was truly concerned for, had compassion towards, and loved all people. Those that thought their plight was unimportant, are the exact ones that Jesus cared for. In the same way were are supposed to care for the marginalized and forgotten in our society. Again, it is our responsibility as Christians to do so.
I have noticed in my time at Loyola, that my very conversations have changed. I find that just talking to people about issues of injustice, is so important. Even speaking up when I hear someone say something wrong or insensitive. These are the things that matter, and indeed do make us true Christians and activists.
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