My Reflection on Pope Francis and Education in America

Much respect and appreciation is sent out to Pope Francis for his speeches in Washington D.C., and New York; to the United Nations, and his loving words to the people of the United States. At the United Nations, he discussed multiple topics pertaining to the existence of mankind including our common home having a sacredness, the unfortunate uniting of nations from fear and for destruction, and that the primary cell of social development is the family. He expressed a need for social justice, and care for the less fortunate and demonstrated compassion as he chose to feed the homeless instead of dining in a fancy setting. As we have economic groups in America, one can recognize where many misfortunes have been the repercussions of injustices imposed particularly on minorities and through the lack of education for minorities, or those in lower economic social groups.

One must appreciate the lowly estate that Pope Francis took upon himself as he drove in a small Fiat to demonstrate humility. We are reminded that “the first shall be last and the last shall be first.” Jesus also took on a lowly estate, although he was the son of God he was born homeless and humbled himself even as a servant. Reflecting on the pope’s strength through a humble and calm demeanor undoubtedly provided an example for American leaders and policy-makers.

Pope Francis mentioned the need for effective political and economic activity that is conscious of the fact that real men and real women may be being deprived of rights. This is very relevant for education. He also mentions that education is a right for families and the basis for reclaiming the environment. He said that, when economic and social exclusion is apparent, then a denial of the inclusion of fraternity exists. Applications can be made if one believes that inequitable opportunities for education exist in certain communities, and that unfair opportunities are affecting my brothers or my sisters, then the picture is changed. The agenda to help a brother or a sister to achieve to their fullest potential becomes primary. The reciprocal affect will be that the least likely will find a cure for cancer, or be able to excel in the sciences for curing the world’s climate problems.   

The scriptures represents precepts upon precepts and is summarized in loving one another. Defending human rights and social justice would not be a problem if love for one another truly existed. NCLB would not need to be a policy if love for one another existed. As I have said many times, when the appointment of persons into the top legislative positions are made, evidence of God in their lives must be present. If policies are for the common good of all people, then issues of the Common Core Standards would not be such a problem as they are today as competitive kinds of learning and responsible instruction would occur regardless of one’s status or race if leaders applied principles of the scripture.