by Sr. Mary Shaw, ASC
Our news lately has been upsetting, and unsettling to say the least! Brothers and Sisters being treated like political pawns; people with money relegating and ‘gutting’ offices that were set up to serve and protect the most vulnerable here and abroad, and Congress being ignored.
The Bible tells us that, “God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them” (Genesis 1:26-27). What a special relationship this is with our Creator. God is revealing His presence in and through us and we are recognizing the dignity of all. St. Paul reminds us in Corinthians that, “Together you are Christ’s body; but each of you is a different part of it” (1C.12:27). God’s creation is filled with diversity, color, and sizes. Each one is essential…be they Palestinians, Africans, Inuits, etc. We are all family.
In our country, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) is a concept and practice by organizations to recognize and value differences among people, ensure fairness and opportunities for all so that all feel welcome and respected. It is just a natural flowing from Imago Dei because together we have unity and respect and recognition for the others’ gifts to build up our country, community, and families.
Pope Francis reminds us in these times, we need HOPE! He tells us that “True history is not one made by the powerful, but the one made by God together with His little ones” (On Hope, P. Francis, p.6). Hope is a journey with Christ toward the Father who awaits us. God does not abandon His people. May we not abandon our values or integrity for power or money or any ‘idol’ that removes our compassion for the ‘little ones.’ Let us hold fast to our identity, creatures made in the Imago Dei and let this engage us and empower us to be in solidarity with the least amongst us. “Now is the time for all good wo/men to come to the aid of their country,” is more than a typing drill. It best be a graced response to a divine call to remember, “As long as you did it to these the least … you did it to Me.”
As I write this, for the first in our lifetime or in history, has the U.S.A. has been negative towards Canada. As President John F. Kennedy said, we fought together on the shores of Normandy, have an interdependent productive economy and a border that most countries envy. Canada was there at 9-11; for the fires that devasted the west coast and offered hospitality to travelers from the U.S.A. in their darkest moments. As a Canadian, my heart grieves for such remarks coming from so called leadership here and as Prime Minister Trudeau said, “Canada with 41 million plus people will not be held in hostage by a bully.” May I add, Canada did not have a tea party, we still drink our tea, and Great Britain is still deeply connected. Vive Le Canada! May we pray for Democracy, respect for other Nations and an end to national aggressiveness and potential ethnic cleansing. Our Lady of Good Counsel, Patroness of Canada, pray for us.
