Last week, I had mass and dinner with a group of committed, Catholic women. The dinner discussion progressed to the inevitable topic, the pandemic, on which I shared how I viewed it positively as an impetus for needed change in a world where so many just take life for granted and have become too comfortable. This led onto a Thai woman commenting on the youth protests here. I braced myself for what she might say next. Then I heard her proclaim that the problem here is that Thais lack a spirituality and that what Thailand needs is a spiritual revolution. I silently applauded and kept my counsel so as to hear more.
At the end of her pronouncement, I could agree saying that the whole world needs a spiritual revolution. Now, what does that mean?
For any response, I turn straight to my hero - St Teresa of Avila, that revolutionary Carmelite nun of 16th century Spain. And what does she say?
Don't look outside at the world around you for what really matters, for it is full of diversions and so much that is ephemeral. Don't focus on success, fame, riches, beauty, popularity and all the rest. Go rather to the core of your being and find God there for God is waiting for us at the depths of who we are and of our reality. The goal of life is so simple. It is union with God who loves us, calls us and initiates that union. This pursuit is no escape from reality but rather a way of being totally immersed in it for what it is really about - having a passion for life, feeling with and for others, being kind and humble, showing compassion, and working for peace and the better world for all. .
Wow! That is revolutionary. Viva la revolucion! .
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