In the midst of the darkness, there is a bright light

Here I am in Brisbane, blue skies and sunshine, visiting my family.  On going to mass with my sister, I read this in her parish newsletter:

"During the homily, Archbishop Shane explained how we should shine brightly during dark times, shining to others, not keeping the light to ourselves.  ...   God said, 'Let there be light', and the whole world shone brightly.  God didn't make the light for Him.  He made it for us and the beautiful world we live in."  

This is based on the homily, given during the mass for Catholic Education Week, which had as its theme - Share your light, inspire others.  Personally, it strikes me how our world is shrouded in darkness and now I wonder if this may be a universal theme, not just mine. 

At the beginning of my stay with my family, a little bit of light was shone my way by a few words of welcome and love, offered by my niece, at a family dinner.     

"Hey JM, our favourite uncle, uncle-in-law and brother.  It's always great to have you back in Oz.  We love it when you come over to visit.  ...  We turned on the winter sunshine for you.  Maybe it was mum who had s direct line to the big man upstairs and organized the great weather for your visit.  We look forward to hanging out with you, while you are in Brissie.  Here's to you, JM, and big love."

Simple and sincere words can make a difference and let the light shine amidst the darkness. 

Where has our sense of decency gone?

 

During the past week, I watched a short news clip that left me troubled and disturbed.  It was a report from the US Congress where they were holding a Senate hearing on Covid and Dr Fauci.  I was watching some US politician letting forth a most brutal attack against Dr Fauci, with the US Senator being foul mouthed and ever so angry.  

I thought two things.  One, this was not acceptable behaviour for a respected politician in the public forum of exercising his duty.  The other, this was a public humiliation of a public servant who led his country in the fight against Covid.  He deserves better.  I was left wondering - what was going on here?  

Even with not knowing all the facts, this scene was so extreme that it took me to the level of asking myself, "Whatever happened to our sense of decency?"  Yes, things go wrong in life.  Yes, people oppose us or just don't like us.  Yes, we all do bad.  But, in whatever situation, the challenge is to keep our sense of decency so that we can walk away, being assured of our own worth and dignity.  

At the same time, in my own little world, I faced a moral challenge.  In my leadership role at Caritas, I had to deal with a personnel issue.  Whatever the outcome, I wanted to be fair and just.  Yes, someone in my watch had failed in performing their duty, but this did not mean that decency went out the door.  In dealing with the person, I was told something about myself that I did not like.  I do not know why but I did not become angry and defensive.  Rather, I naturally apologised for what may be and moved on.  I look back and think - "Thank God I did not attack.  Decency can't go out the door."