Human Dignity
“Because I have
human dignity.”
These words were spoken to me by a teenaged Honduran boy
who had fled gang violence and migrated to the US. He was staying in a shelter awaiting his
court date. As a legal assistant at a pro bono law firm, I was interviewing him
to determine what form of legal presence he might qualify for.
“Porque yo tengo
dignidad humana,” was his response to my question of why he left Honduras –
spoken with a firm sense of self-worth and maturity far beyond his years.
Human dignity - the belief that each human being is sacred
and created in God’s image - is the bedrock of Catholic Social Teaching. Regardless of a person’s age, race, gender,
nationality, sexual orientation, economic status, ability/disability, or any other
factor, Catholics affirm dignity is always present. Each and every person is precious in God’s
eyes – no matter what.
This past January’s “National Migration Week” had the
theme “creating a culture of encounter.”
Encounter – encuentro – is a
core idea in Francis’ papacy. When we go
out to one who is different from us, recognizing their dignity, we grow in
solidarity with our human family. As the
Honduran boy’s words challenged me, we are challenged to stand up and stand
with those whose dignity is threatened.
Where do you see human dignity threatened in our nation
and world? How can you create a culture
of encounter?
Rhonda Miska
Sinsinawa, WI
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