The stink of the world’s injustice and the world’s indifference is all around us….
This morning’s meditation in Magnificat, a monthly publication of prayers and readings, contains a quote from Dorothy Day, co-founder of the Catholic Worker Movement whose cause for sainthood has earned her the title Servant of God. “The stink of the world’s injustice” never seemed more offensive than now. “And the world’s indifference” seems to increase exponentially no matter how many horrors of all kinds we witness on a daily basis.
Here in the United States, at least, our political leaders and the cultural and media elites who surround them seem to have perfected the fine art of indifference. They make lots of noise and engage in non-stop quarreling with each other, but they do next to nothing to eradicate the stink of injustice or to show that they really do care about the people they are supposed to serve.
Injustice and indifference go together as the twin evils of our age.
What can we do? Dorothy Day has the answer. It is compassion. And it is needed now more than ever.
This morning’s meditation in Magnificat, a monthly publication of prayers and readings, contains a quote from Dorothy Day, co-founder of the Catholic Worker Movement whose cause for sainthood has earned her the title Servant of God. “The stink of the world’s injustice” never seemed more offensive than now. “And the world’s indifference” seems to increase exponentially no matter how many horrors of all kinds we witness on a daily basis.
Here in the United States, at least, our political leaders and the cultural and media elites who surround them seem to have perfected the fine art of indifference. They make lots of noise and engage in non-stop quarreling with each other, but they do next to nothing to eradicate the stink of injustice or to show that they really do care about the people they are supposed to serve.
Injustice and indifference go together as the twin evils of our age.
What can we do? Dorothy Day has the answer. It is compassion. And it is needed now more than ever.
Compassion—it is a word meaning to suffer with. If we all carry a little of the burden, it will be lightened. If we share in the suffering of the world, then some will not have to endure so heavy an affliction. It evens out. What you do here in New York, in Harrisburg, helps those in China, India, South Africa, Europe, Russia, as well as in the oasis where you are. You may think you are alone. But we are members one of another. We are children of God together. (Dorothy Day)
“In the oasis where you are” is a phrase worthy of Pope Francis. It refers to our “comfort zones” the places where we feel safe and are most content. The choice is ours. Cling to our oasis. Or have the courage to venture out—to the peripheries where strangers dwell and where there is much danger and uncertainty.
Let’s pray for the courage to cast off indifference and to do our part (however small) to work for justice and peace—here at home and throughout the world.
Let’s pray for the courage to cast off indifference and to do our part (however small) to work for justice and peace—here at home and throughout the world.
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| Dorothy Day photo by Judd |
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