From the Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation Committee

Gabino Zavala
JPIC Director

“The Lord has given me a well trained tongue that I may know how to speak to the weary a word that will rouse them” (Isaiah 50:4). 

Recently, I wrote a letter to my congressman in response to his monthly newsletter. He was crowing about the passing of the Safeguard America Voting Eligibility (SAVE) Act. This SAVE Act is an attempt to make sure that there are more requirements for someone to register to vote or change their registration due to change of address or name due to a change in marital status. Proponents of this bill state that this is a bill that will make sure that those who are not eligible to vote (i.e., non-citizens) do not do so. The problem is that statistics show that this is not a problem. Our experience has been that our elections are safe and that those ineligible to vote who attempt to do so are few and almost non-existent. 

I pointed this out to the congressman. I asked why so much time and energy was spent on this bill while eroding Medicaid and health care among the poor, elderly, disabled, and those who live in rural America. We need to care for the most vulnerable in our midst. 

As Precious Blood missionaries, we are to be voices that proclaim the Most Precious Blood of Christ. This calls us to raise our voices in prophetic utterance to speak for those in our midst who have no voice. We are called to speak for and to the weary to rouse them.  

As Precious Blood missionaries, our lives and ministries are rooted in the Word of God, promoting the dignity of every human person, justice, peace, and the integrity of creation. 

How do we do this? Yes, sometimes by writing to our elected leaders. Or by being actively involved in the political process, advocating for those issues that touch the lives of our most vulnerable people. It means preaching about and raising up Catholic Social Teaching. It may be participating in a peaceful protest or demonstration against the death penalty, for just and comprehensive immigration reform, against gun violence and racism and care for our creation. It may be promoting corporate stances as a Precious Blood Community so that others know we are.  

 Our Precious Blood spirituality calls us to “step out, stand up, and speak clearly about the Precious Blood of Jesus.” 

Gabino Zavala, JPIC Director