STATEMENT 3: A motto often associated with Jesuit and Marymount schools is "Educating men and women for others." Fr. Pedro Arrupe, the former head of the Jesuits, once said that "our prime educational objective must be to form men and women for others, who believe that a love of self or of God which does not issue forth in justice for the least of their neighbors is a farce."
QUESTION 3: What do you think Fr. Arrupe meant when he said this? Please give an example of someone you know, other than your teachers and parents, who works for justice for the least of their neighbors. (500-1000 words)
In this generation, the competition among people for jobs and a rise in social statuses is intensifying. It is harder and harder for people to be compassionate and considerate of others without there being any social or material incentives. Nowadays, many people will agree to something only if they are rewarded, even if a selfless action could reshape someone's life. Through his statement, I think Father Arrupe meant that our actions should not be clouded by selfish, ulterior motives, but that we must understand that our presence in people's lives should ensue in companionship and fair-mindedness. A person who came to mind, immediately after reading "who works for justice for the least of their neighbors," is Amra, a volunteer caretaker at the SOS orphanage where I volunteered last summer.
This motto can encourage young adults to discover why their education and competency is a prime factor when it comes to helping people around them. A sense of social justice is a key quality that is needed for someone to perform selfless actions and treat all acquaintances equally. What Father Arrupe wants me to understand is that whenever I act upon my thoughts or emotions, it will always have an effect on someone around me, whether I know it or not. I have to be aware that the way I react and treat others now is how I will respond in situations in the future. Another individual who has taught me this lesson is Amra.
Amra is a mother of two adults who has decided to live the rest of her life as a surrogate mother for orphaned children at the SOS orphanage in Lebanon. She was the first person I was introduced to when I visited the orphanage. After a few days there, I was able to get to know her better and spend time with her and the children. She told me about how her biological children are all grown up and since her husband past away she felt lonely at home. Instead of taking care of herself and living on her own, she took the opportunity to do something that would benefit others who are less fortunate and who were given another chance at having a family.
QUESTION 3: What do you think Fr. Arrupe meant when he said this? Please give an example of someone you know, other than your teachers and parents, who works for justice for the least of their neighbors. (500-1000 words)
In this generation, the competition among people for jobs and a rise in social statuses is intensifying. It is harder and harder for people to be compassionate and considerate of others without there being any social or material incentives. Nowadays, many people will agree to something only if they are rewarded, even if a selfless action could reshape someone's life. Through his statement, I think Father Arrupe meant that our actions should not be clouded by selfish, ulterior motives, but that we must understand that our presence in people's lives should ensue in companionship and fair-mindedness. A person who came to mind, immediately after reading "who works for justice for the least of their neighbors," is Amra, a volunteer caretaker at the SOS orphanage where I volunteered last summer.
This motto can encourage young adults to discover why their education and competency is a prime factor when it comes to helping people around them. A sense of social justice is a key quality that is needed for someone to perform selfless actions and treat all acquaintances equally. What Father Arrupe wants me to understand is that whenever I act upon my thoughts or emotions, it will always have an effect on someone around me, whether I know it or not. I have to be aware that the way I react and treat others now is how I will respond in situations in the future. Another individual who has taught me this lesson is Amra.
Amra is a mother of two adults who has decided to live the rest of her life as a surrogate mother for orphaned children at the SOS orphanage in Lebanon. She was the first person I was introduced to when I visited the orphanage. After a few days there, I was able to get to know her better and spend time with her and the children. She told me about how her biological children are all grown up and since her husband past away she felt lonely at home. Instead of taking care of herself and living on her own, she took the opportunity to do something that would benefit others who are less fortunate and who were given another chance at having a family.