Renovated Horizons

 

Renewing society is discussed but not actualised: profit, entitlement, and self-promotion undermine it.  Notwithstanding the promises, inertia accompanies it, because renewal challenges society to confront its fault lines with renovated horizons.

Equity and equality, freedom and ‘laïcisme’, though not necessarily understood, are claimed as banners pushing for a ‘new brave world’ that intends not only to challenge, but to do away with boundaries that are now perceived as outdated. As disciples, we need to critically analyse these proposals and salt them with  the Good News (Matthew 5,13). 

An experienced renewal inspired by discipleship is, by its very nature, inclusive, because God’s ‘loving-kindness’ (Hesed) is not denied to anyone. Recognising our prejudices, we accept each person because we intend to strengthen our dignity. Inclusiveness is welcomed, unless it is mere manipulative scheming.

A secular state is en vogue as the only guarantee of personal freedom, but history proves otherwise. Imposed ideologies do not guarantee liberty, fraternity, or equality: “Are all animals truly equal, or do some inevitably become more equal than others?” (George Orwell, Animal Farm). The corrupting nature of power, the manipulation of language, and the promotion of fragile ideals all contribute to a manipulative Napoleon.   

Although some might feel threatened by these happenings, they permit us to apprise ourselves about understandings that inhibit a deeper understanding of faith: to rediscover its radical implications (Michel Fourcade, Vatican II dans l’histoire de la sécularisation, Dans Droits 2015/2016, n. 61). Hence, we must consciously live this insight: “If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord” (Romans 14,8).


Martin


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Manum misi in ignem – St. Jerome - Praying with the Psalms

Preamble      Unfortunately, most encounter the Psalms within a liturgical setting as short interludes between one reading and another. We take it for granted that they exist without necessarily comprehending their origins. Ordained ministers are obliged to recite them daily, forming the backbone of their ministry (CCC 276, § 2, n.3): ignoring their spiritual richness, decadence infiltrates.       The Psalms animate some parish communities: they are regularly recited, but this practice is not sufficiently diffused. They come alive within the monastic communities whose days and nights are regulated by their chanting, whose breath is synchronised as they pray the Psalms in the name of the faith community. But what about those beyond the ‘Claustrum’: how can we benefit from the Psalms? It is this question that addresses this reflection. Henceforth, insights that have proven helpful to praying with the Psalms are shared. I am indebted to former students, m...
Read more

The Inner Core

Hopkins, of whom I can never tire because he often says what I want to say but cannot, sets the mood. Personal boundaries protect the inner core of one’s identity: a sustained insight that underlines our inter-relationships. This essential inner core, expressive of values and personal dignity, must be intact as inter-relations are transformed or surpassed (Brett Beasley, Acting Christ: The Christocentric Exemplarism of Gerald Manley Hopkins , Literature and Theology, Vol. 34, Issue 2, June 2020, pp. 228-244). No one bestows nor should anyone plunder this inner core: it is proper to each person.   It is easily forgotten that dignity is a shared value, not an exclusive possession: honouring personal boundaries also means respecting the boundaries of others. Accordingly, personal formation is identified with wholeness, which includes emotional stability and clear-mindedness. Lacking this understanding, we mimic Lear’s blindness to Goneril’s and Regan’s meaningless flattery and Cordeli...
Read more

Envy

Nothing should be presumed: neither that our hearts are immune from envy nor that talking of faith is necessarily indicative of faithfulness. Sometimes, envy permeates the heart even if concealed in a mirage intended to convince others that we mean well: “ Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves ” (Matthew 7,15). Unfortunately, neither clerics nor religious are immune.  Envy is dangerous if ignored, more so when denied. A Spanish proverb affirms, “ Envy bites but never eats, that is why it always insists ”. Its insistence is a recipe for restlessness: the lack of peace within the heart, indicative of the Magister’s absence.  It contradicts discipleship because ‘ committed love ’ (Agape) “ is patient, love is kind: it does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud ”(1 Corinthians 13,4). It is, therefore, futile that we tolerate it, since “ envy makes the bones rot ” (Proverb 14,30). Thus, Moses did not rebuke Eldad and M...
Read more