I JUST CAN’T WATCH ANY MORE!
Though the light has come into the world
People have shown they prefer darkness to the light… (Jn 3:19)
The present age, thanks to modern media, makes us all acutely aware of how extensive are the warring nations of the world. We are all conscious of the Ukraine issue and what is happening in Gaza and surrounding countries. For some reason these places overshadow the civil wars in places like Myanmar, Sudan and Ethiopia, where the human suffering is also beyond measure.
I am surprised by the number of people who say to me: ‘I just can’t watch any more.’ I notice this remark because I experience a similar feeling, particularly when I seek out those channels which give us more extensive coverage.
This feeling of ‘enough’ is worth our attention. By ignoring it, we will probably just close off and live as though all is well in the world. A person, who I know has been financially supportive of a prominent Charity, said to me recently: ‘They are at you all the time. There’s no letup’.
What these feelings reveal is the side of our nature that wants to live in the dark. Supporting those in the battlefield of providing aid does have no end - not until governments come to their senses at least.
However, on the flip side, these feelings provide us with the opportunity of choosing to live in the light. The late Pope Francis reminded us in many ways that caring for the poor goes hand in hand with following Christ. We choose to follow Christ and we choose to find ways to support those in need. Failing to accept this will mean that the cap fits perfectly when we hear those words: people have shown they prefer darkness to light.
The phrase: donor fatigue is a kind of euphemism for those who just grow tired of giving. When we give into it, selfishness will take over. That is why consciously choosing how we will live is so important.
DISCUSSION: How is all of this relevant to the Society of St Vincent de Paul?
PRAYER
Jesus,
You gave until you could no longer take.
Sacrifice leads to communion
Communion leads to peace.
Send your Spirit
To live and breathe
In us
Until
We live and breathe in you.
