I feel like I was sucker punched and knocked out. I need to get my wits about me again.
Since falling asleep late last night I’ve been asking what is the appropriate faith-filled, nonviolent response to an election that now empowers a man who threatens and demonizes so many people and things we cherish. Chief among them is our planet itself.
As today is the Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica, it is appropriate for me to find guidance in a church led by Pope Francis who speaks so clearly the good news of Jesus; a gospel of inclusive love. I am personally encouraged by the Catholic Nonviolence Initiative which aims to make nonviolence a more evident part of church teaching, prayer and life. Nonviolence proceeds from an ethic of love seeking not to beat an opponent but to win him or her over. We can be challenged by that in how we respond. Our CSJP congregation’s Chapter Act Growing in Nonviolence of 2008 also offers guidance.
We must continue to stand with the voiceless, most especially Earth whose very existence is threatened by the policies promoted in the campaign by the president–elect. As members of a global community we have responsibilities beyond just making America great. We should oppose withdrawal from the Paris Climate agreements which became legally binding just this week. Perhaps a stronger and more personal response to those standing with Standing Rock is another way to respond.
The Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace Chapter Call from 2014 remains my personal “marching orders.” We were called to “offer Jesus’ way of radical hospitality… a deeper and wider living of community for mission in company with poor and marginalized people…
taking risks for justice, peace and the integrity of creation.” I believe it will be imperative for us to organize with like-minded souls in opposition to certain policies such as building walls, banning Muslims, burning more coal, increasing military spending and expansion of war.
I know there are calls for us to join together as one people after the election to give the new President-elect a chance. I do not oppose that, it is necessary to deeply listen to the fear and anger of those who voted for this change. Without that listening neither side can be healed. As Gandhi believed each side had a piece of the truth.
What I hope will be recognized by this new administration is that we are all one regardless of our nation, skin color, language, place of birth, economic status or political party, we are all children of one Creator living in a global village. We should be respected and treated as brothers and sisters.
As I pick myself up, those are the orienting principles I have to hold onto.
Love one another as I have loved you. Jn 15:12