Revolution - a lost concept

“We can endure anything from without, if we have peace within.

The obstacle to inner peace lies within.

Keep on doing what you know is useful. 

Keep the love of God before you. 

The love of God within cannot be overcome.”

                S Teresa of Avila  

"Revolution" is a word that has lost its meaning, for whenever you use that word, all people think of is Stalin or Mao Tse Tung and the death and destruction they caused.  This is to limit revolution to evil gain.  True revolution is about something much richer and deeper.  It is about what touches the human heart and causes real change for the good of humanity.  It is about rising up to build a world that is more just and more blessed by love.  

Pope Francis urged us to enter into the revolution of love and tenderness.  This is what the world needs now.  My good friend, our present Prior-General of the Order, urges us to engage in the revolution of the gospel.  Our now Pope Leo spoke of the same need for revolution, back in 2012, when presenting as Bishop Prevost, at an education seminar in Peru.  He said:

“From lots of little ordinary things done well, something extraordinary can emerge” 

The Christian message is revolutionary for a world continually engaging in conflict, anti-social behaviour and selfish pursuits.  Think of it!  God is the Trinity, the perfect model of mutual love, generating life and goodness.  The core of Christian belief impels us to be revolutionary, ever struggling and striving to be people of love, building a just world for all, acting against all forms of oppression, injustice and exploitation.  This is revolution in its purest form.  

My hero, St Teresa of Avila, got it.  The revolution begins within each of us.  As we grasp that peace within, so we can go out and live that peace and love that comes from a God with and within us.  We do so simply for the sake of God and humanity.