Most of us understand that acts of love are not always broadcast, nor should they. Some people would say that this is because our society loves sensationalism and love is not sensational. Perhaps that is true, but that is not the point. Some others might say it is because we have so much to do now that we have no time to care for everybody who needs us. Perhaps that’s also true but it is a poor excuse for nonchalance. Christians like to talk about the story of the Good Samaritan that Christ told, and people who are raised as Christians are taught that story from childhood. Revisiting that story, I stipulate that it took the Good Samaritan some time to do what he did but it is also true and even more relevant is that he sacrificed his time and money to save the life of a fellow traveler who had been victimized by perpetrators of evil. He stopped, examined the other man, took him to the place where he would be treated, and paid for the treatment before continuing on his way the next day. Yes, he made a detour and delayed his journey overnight to care for someone with whom he had very little or nothing in common. But think about the lessons of this story. Both men were from different ethnic backgrounds, perhaps different socioeconomic status, and had religious differences. One man was a victim of hate and the other, more privileged, ignored all the differences between them and showed love. We are not told that he said anything except these words to the Innkeeper: “Take this money. Look after him and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have”. His love was not sensationalized. Yet, his act of love spoke louder than any words He could have uttered.
Today, some of our neighbors are literally experiencing the full weight of nations and men bigger than they. With children in poverty, and some being abused in ways too difficult even to fathom; women experiencing intimate partner violence, families in crisis and being torn apart due to their immigration status; migrant children being placed in cages to the support of religious and political leaders; wars among small communities and big nations turning millions into hungary refugees, we wonder exactly what has gone wrong with our world but many of us sit still and unmoved by the harrowing images on our television screens. These victims beg and wish for our help and many seek hiding places with none to be found while we ask ourselves if we should get involved or continue to stand aside. Sometimes, we wonder how and/or at what point we should intervene in problems so large. To these questions, I say, please, for God’s sake, remember the Good Samaritan. Remember those who died that we might be free. These were acts of love much louder than words.
As the words say in the Battle Hymn of The Republic (also known as “Mine Eyes Have Seen the Glory of the Lord”), which was written by Julia Ward Howe – a social activist and abolitionist – “As Christ died to make men holy, let us die to make men free, while God is marching on”. Every time we do that, we exhibit love greater than words. In our daily lives, let us remember to bring hope to the hopeless and let us not just claim but actually show that we are capable of loving those that may even be difficult to love because, as human beings, we are called to be graceful and loving to others.
In various, speeches, Martin Luther King Jr., said the following words that have never lost power and relevance, especially in the times in which we now live:
“There comes a time when silence is betrayal.”
“Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.”
“In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.”
“Only in the darkness can you see the stars.”
Our world is now dark and getting darker. May we find the wisdom, courage, determination to bring light to a world that so desperately needs it.
In a world where the economic and culturally privileged are wrecking havoc on the less advantaged, it’s time for serious self examination and recalibration.
I am troubled by the tragic circumstances of a world in which so many are deprived while the privileged blame the victims for the hands that they have been dealt by the privileged is perhaps one of the most unfair tragedies of our time. That so many of us are even allowing it to happen and siding with the oppressors is disconcerting, as it ought for those of us who watch our world with a conscience.
I’m really touched by this quote: “In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.”
This article is apt and coming in a time when the world has lost every sense of human touch. Many are becoming apathetic and individualistic to the extent that the deafening cry of the needy is no longer heard. That’s how crazy the world has become.
Yes, my friend, that indeed is “how crazy the world has become”. That we would become so unfazed by deep lack among so many in our world is one of the great tragedies of our time. That we are not even paying attention to this reality is in itself disconcerting and should be to those of us who see the world as it is and ask ourselves why.