Short insight about the video "Fr Michael Hardie SVD - Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation"

 

Fr. Michael Hardie SVD talks about his two important roles with the Divine Word Missionaries, Australia Province:

1. as Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation coordinator, raising awareness among students of the issues of justice and peace; and
2. as academic English teacher, providing students English language training from beginner to academic level and preparing them for entry into the theological academic field.

As Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation coordinator, they do this through formation so that students grow up understanding these issues and when they are ordained they will live prosperous. The students were also being introduced to important issues such as the causes of migration and refugees. According to him, even if we understand these issues, they evolve into another form. On his reflection on the matter of providing safe harbour and unconditional welcome for refugees, migrants and the stranger, Fr. Hardie mentioned in one of his artiicles that all four Evangelists agree: "Whoever receives such little ones in my name, receives me." (Mk 9:37; Mt 18:5; Lk 9:48; Jn 13:20). The Synoptic Gospels also remind us of the woes that may befall any whose actions initiate war, destroy families and create refugees: "It would be better for them to have a great millstone tied around their necks and be drowned in the depths of the sea." (Mk 9:42; Mt 18:6; Lk 17:2). What causes Fr. Michael Hardie to approach the divine mission was when he was working as an Engineer in the Middle East and saw injustices around such as a violation of contracts which made him think that there must be something that he could do to address such issue. Thus, he was motivated by the sense of justice.

1. Before joining himself to divinity, Fr. Hardie was since a teacher which he is able to bring his teaching in the area of ministry. Fr. Hardie stressed out that it feels rewarding that students were enthusiastic about the subject. Moreover, it is rewarding to see that students were grasping theological understanding and see these students amazingly preparing themselves to enter the theological academic field.