Last week as part of Saint Louis University’s commemoration of the 20th anniversary of the UCA martyrs, Fr. John Dear and Fr. Mark Ravizza spoke on campus. Both speakers highlighted the need to follow the lead of the Jesuit martyrs in challenging injustice.

Speaking at Social Justice Night, Dear described the “culture of war and violence” in which we live. He noted that, despite the consequences, war and violence have become acceptable. We are being led to believe, by those who benefit most from war and violence, that it is necessary and inevitable. Fr. Dear suggested that allowing this belief to go unchallenged has dire implications for the future of mankind. He identified an alternative course of action, which the course of nonviolent resistance. Pursuing this course requires that the inhumanity of war and violence be clearly identified and that alternative nonviolent responses to conflict be adopted. Dear challenged those present to consider the alternatives and to reflect on personal choice.

Ravizza spoke about the purpose of Jesuit education. In particular, he focused on the role of Jesuit education in preparing women and men to identify and address injustice. Jesuit education prepares people to live in the reality of their world, and accomplishing this goal requires that all members of the learning community be challenged to critically examine the world around them. We need to open our eyes to see the reality of injustice. We have to open our ears to hear the voice of those marginalized and oppressed. We have to use our skills to pursue justice.

The commemoration of the UCA martyrs provides an invitation for SLU students, faculty and staff to critically reflect on our community. Where do we see injustice? Where do we find lack of peace? Most importantly, how do we individually and collectively become people of peace and justice?

–Jim Allen, assistant professor in the School of Social Work