Observations on Day 110

Today is a national holiday. Tomorrow [Saturday] is the 4th of July so today [Friday] is a day off from work for people working in certain federal, state, and municipal circles. It has also been 110 days since we acted on our decision to self-sequester on account of the Covid-19 virus.

Election years are always tough. This one seems to be tougher than usual. I am glad that I took the pledge http://www.usccb.org/news/2019/19-183.cfm back when it was first being circulated. I simply refuse to participate in the uncivil brawl that discourses on political issues has become, especially where “social media” is concerned. This pledge has had trickle-down effects into other inflamed areas.

This does not mean that I am ignorant of what is taking place. It does not mean that I have quietly given up my right to express my political opinions when the ballots are passed around. Nor does it mean that I have abnegated my responsibilities as a member of this social structure. It means that I simply choose to stand to the side with no gas cans in my hands. It means that I choose to not do anything to fan the already out of control flames of hostility that engulf those who choose to carry cans of gas into the flames. It means that I will vote my conscience when the time comes.

We are living in a time of multiplied crises and amplified meanness.

Political agendas, believe it or not, will not arrest and solve the problems that we face as a nation. They only continue to exacerbate the differences that create political division and hostilities in a highly energized polemic environment.

Removing statues, believe it or not, will not change the human injustices of the past or usher in a new age of warmth and acceptance of others. It only fosters and amplifies deeper levels of resentment on both sides of the issue.

Throw the divisiveness of Covid-19 into the mix with hordes of people refusing to respect and care for the welfare of others by participating in efforts to slow the spread of this disease.

My rights … my rights … my rights … has become the banner being flown over all the various stages and degrees of the displays of anarchy, whether passive or violent, that has become what seems to be the norm for life in this country. I cannot help but to think of the story of Cain and Abel. Am I my brother’s keeper? Yes. Very much so.

I have discovered The Philokalia to be very interesting reading. It is slow reading. It is illuminative reading.

In my reading of The Philokalia this morning, I read that once you recognize that the Lord’s judgements are in all the earth [1 Chronicles 16:14] then everything that happens to you will teach you knowledge of God. The ancient sage went on to write that everyone receives what he deserves in accordance with his inner state. But only God understands the many different ways in which this happens. Also, when you suffer some dishonor from men, recognize at once the glory that will be given you by God. Then you will not be saddened or upset by the dishonor; and when you receive the glory you will remain steadfast and innocent.[1]

The simple truth of the matter, when I am willing to admit it, is that absolutely nothing that is happening in this world today is outside either the direct or the permissive will of God. By virtue of this simple truth, I must accept the fact that I am going to experience the throes caused by the dynamics generated by both the spiritual and human forces that surround me. I must also realize that God knows what I need to experience in order to continue to grow in grace and knowledge of him [2 Peter 3:18].

If I am to perceive God working in the matters that concern this moment in life, then, of necessity, I must be open to receive God working in this moment in life … no matter how uncomfortable and challenging the moment may be.

The greatest challenge, where these spiritual and human dynamics are concerned, is to recognize them and use them to a positive end.

As a Christian, and even more so as an Oblate of Saint Benedict solemnly promised to conversatio morum or conversion of life, these spiritual and human dynamics become tools designed to shape me more perfectly into an image of Christ. Some of the tools are rough, sharp, coarsely abrasive and difficult to endure.

I am reminded of Malachi 3:1-3. BEHOLD, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, who ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the LORD of hosts. But who may abide the day of his coming: and who shall stand when he appeareth: for he is like a refiner’s fire, and like fullers’ soap: and he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver: he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the LORD an offering of righteousness.

Saint Benedict’s conversatio morum or conversion of life, this solemn vow of monks and religious sisters and a solemn promise of Oblates, is the effects of the refiner’s fire and the fullers’ soap – the desired direction and goal of our vows/promises of obedience and stability.

[1] On Those who Think that They are Made Righteous by Works, 226 Texts, 66, 67, 68