1 PETER 3:13

It seems that most of our groups these days forbid discussion of at least two topics: religion and politics. Book clubs, reunions, Thanksgiving dinner, even my small faith group does not talk about politics. The last political discussion I heard at a St Therese social hour ended in disrespect and anger. Very little gentleness and an absolutely shocking lack of reverence for even a fellow believer!

So what’s wrong with this state of affairs? On the level of the world, all effort at finding consensus and compromise ends. But on a spiritual level, there is a rejection of compassion, our most fundamental value. The Word became flesh because of God’s compassion for humanity. Jesus suffering was God suffering. God so loved the world that God was willing to become human and suffer life: temptation, rejection, loneliness, all long before the cross.

The first person we need to have compassion for is ourselves. Our reflections and attitudes about religion and politics become crosses on which we’re willing to nail our sense of self. We need to discuss difficult subjects letting our egos go and being open to respecting the other’s point of view, perhaps even to be persuaded by it.

The other situation where this is true, of course, is with our loved ones.

During this Covid-19 crisis, we can best love each other by honoring the Governor’s “Stay Home / Stay Healthy” order. In Washington, stores, state parks, golf courses and other businesses are beginning to reopen. This is not a good time to relax, however! In Washington, 67% of confirmed cases are of people under 60 but 91% of deaths or of people 60 or older. Respect the social distancing rules until we defeat this disease!

In these troubled times, our very own J.P. Villanueva has set to music St Ignatius’ Prayer for Generosity, which the Spirit Choir will bring to you in a couple of weeks!

St. Ignatius Prayer for Generosity

Dear Lord teach me to be generous;

teach me to serve you as you deserve, 

to give and not to count the cost, 

to fight and not to heed the wounds, 

to toil and not to seek for rest, 

to labor and not to ask for reward, 

save that of knowing that I do your will.

Amen.