Session 2 (week of March 1):

Dignity of the Human Person: A Culture of Exclusion

 

This week we take a closer look at the Dignity of the Human Person, and explore the "culture of exclusion" as defined by Pope Francis.

 

• Begin by reading a few excerpts from Pope Francis' most recent apostolic exhortation “The Joy of the Gospel” on human dignity and exclusion

• Watch this quick 10-min video: Detroit Hunger Alliance & Project Dignity

• Spend some time reflecting on the following questions: What does "Human Dignity" mean? Wh at does not living with dignity look like? Who in our local and global communities suffers from a loss of dignity, from being excluded? Can someone "lose their right to human dignity"?

• Learn more about what Catholic Social Teaching says about human dignity, about the difference of our teaching (intrinsic dignity) and society's norm (extrinsic dignity), and what Pope Francis and the international community have defined as the "right to food".

• Does this alter your responses to "What does Human Dignity mean?" Here is what others said.

• Reflect on these questions: What do you find most challenging about the Church's teaching? How are respect and dignity the same/different? In what ways are the hungry in our community striped of their dignity and/or excluded? How does the definition of "right to food" change your thoughts on how we treat those who are hungry here and abroad?

• Study the scripture of The Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37).  How does this passage relate to our discussion today?

  • Take into account the context, and reread. How did the Good Samaritan honor the dignity of this excluded man? What lesson is Jesus trying to teach the Jewish leader? Who does Jesus challenge us to say is our neighbor and what does he ask of us?

• Print or save this week's Challenge Sheet and continue to reflect and study this topic. Next week we'll continue the conversation!