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Fishers of Men
 The readings for the Third Sunday in Ordinary Time stir our desire for prophetic witness. As we remember the life and legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr., we naturally think of the ways in which we can speak truth to power today.
The readings not only kindle this conviction; they also purify our understanding of prophecy. As we know from earlier in the story of Jonah, prophesying to Ninevah was not his idea or initiative. Jonah sets out "according to the Lord's bidding" (Jon 3:3). Whose way does he preach? "Your ways, O Lord, make known to me; teach me your paths" (Ps 25:4). If we desire to be faithful prophets of God's ways, we do well to heed the psalmist's instruction: "He guides the humble to justice and teaches the humble his way" (25:9).
Jonah preaches repentance, and Jesus reiterates the message he calls us to share: "The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel" (Mk 1:15). As we pursue systemic and structural change in accord with God's kingdom, what do we really desire? The conversion of hearts. Jesus called Simon and Andrew from their nets to become "fishers of men" (Mk 1:17); Jesus calls us also to seek the true good of each person, including those complicit in social sin.
Even as we acknowledge the divine anger which could have destroyed Ninevah, and as we admit the anger that rises in our hearts when we perceive injustice, let us testify that God's justice flows from love: "Good and upright is the Lord; thus he shows sinners the way" (Ps 25:8). Let us turn from sin and invite others to journey with us on the way to the fulfillment of God's kingdom.
Christy Elliott FAN Director of Care for Creation
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| TODAY: Honoring Martin Luther King Jr. in Prayer and Action
 FAN staff participate in the Faith Advocates for Jobs interfaith prayer vigil on Jan. 16 in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr's holiday. Please join FAN in prayer and action for justice today. |
| Join Franciscans Who March for Life!
 Franciscans from all three Orders of the Franciscan Family will participate in the March for Life on Jan. 23, 2012. Look for a banner with the FAN logo (San Damiano Cross in front of the Capitol building).
FAN staff hope to see you there!
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GreenFaith Partnership
FAN member Sr. Jacquie Keefe, CSSF participates in GreenFaith's Fellowship Program. As we honor the legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr., read Sr. Jacquie's reflection on a GreenFaith Environmental Justice retreat on the FAN blog.
After prayer and action to uphold human life and dignity on Jan. 23, join FAN partner GreenFaith for a webinar on the GreenFaith Certification Program. Through FAN, Franciscan parishes are eligible for a tuition discount for this nationally-recognized two-year program which helps congregations 'green' their worship, education, facilities, and outreach.
GreenFaith Certification Introductory Webinar
Jan. 23, 2012; 8-9pm ET
Register online
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Pray to Strengthen African American and African Families
 As Franciscans march for life and approach the national observance of black history month, Fr. James Goode, OFM and the National Black Catholic Apostolate for Life invites you to join the National Day of Prayer for the African-American and African Family.
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Pray to End Trafficking
 Feb. 5 is also the date of the 2012 Super Bowl in Indianapolis. FAN Action Commissioner Sr. Marge Wissman, OSF [LINK TO: AC page] in Indiana is working with the Coalition of Corporate Responsibility of Indiana and Michigan to raise awareness of trafficking during the Super Bowl, as well as other large sports events.
The Coalition focuses on hotels as an area of investment and is asking 220 hotels within a 50 mile radius of Indianapolis for opportunities to train their employees to recognize signs of trafficking. |
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Immigration Law Help
The Immigration Advocates Network (IAN) is excited to announce the launch of ImmigrationLawHelp.org, a new website to help low-income immigrants find free or low-cost legal help.
The website provides information about more than 900 nonprofit immigration legal services providers in all 50 states.
FAN staff member Sr. Marie Lucey, OSF and FAN Action Commissioner Kent Ferris, SFO attended a Jan. 11-13 conference on immigration sponsored by the USCCB's Migration and Refugee Services and Catholic Legal Immigration Network. Learn more about this 50-state initiative taking place in Salt Lake City.
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FAN TSSF Action Circle Team Forming
 FAN Action Commission Francesca Wigle, TSSF wrote an article for the Third Order Society of St. Francis newsletter, the Franciscan Times, about FAN. Check out the newsletter, with Francesca's article on page 25. (Internet Explorer may work better than other browsers to view the newsletter.)
Francesca and Dianne Aid, TSSF are forming a TSSF FAN Action Circle Team. E-mail them at fwigle@gmail.com or sanmate921@yahoo.com to learn more.
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Brighter Future for Cleaner Air
 As we welcome the light of Christ, we also welcome news of the finalization of the Mercury and Air Toxics Standards for Power Plants, a Clean Air Act Rule that has been "20 years in the making," as EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson stated during a press conference on Dec. 21.
The rule will require the use of widely available and proven technology to reduce emissions of mercury, chromium, arsenic, and other toxic pullutants; 40 percent of the 1,100 coal-fired power plants in the U.S. do not yet meet this standard.
FAN had submitted a letter of support in August 2011 in conjunction with USCCB efforts.
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The Golden Calf Speaks on Capitol Hill
 Our celebration of Christmas honored Emmanuel, God with us, besides whom there is no other God.
Last month, FAN staff members participated in carrying a "golden calf" to the Capitol as part of a prayerful witness against the idolatry of greed.
Read Lonnie Ellis' reflection and see photos on the FAN blog. Watch a brief Washington Post video about the event.
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Almighty ever-living God,
direct our actions according to your good pleasure,
that in the name of your beloved Son
we may abound in good works.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
(Prayer for the Third Sunday in Ordinary Time)
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Mission Statement
Inspired by the Gospel of Jesus, and the example of saints Francis and Clare, the Franciscan Action Network (FAN) is a collective Franciscan voice seeking to transform U.S. public policy related to peacemaking, care for creation, poverty, and human rights. |
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