One look at social media tells a sad story. People
spew hate, even going so far as to condemn family and good friends over a
difference of opinion. These differences are mostly over politics and faith.
These people often claim they are more tolerant than those they disagree with.
What they really mean, they are tolerant of anyone who agrees with them.
Disagree, and they crucify the dissenter while shouting tolerance.
In sharp contrast, look at the impact Saint
Francis and Mother Teresa had on our world. Saint Francis of Assisi is particularly
known for his vow of poverty, his humility, his love for all of God’s creation,
and of course his faith. I have heard stories of how he “spoke” the Gospel by
good deeds rather than preaching. Sister Teresa also preferred compassion to
preaching. No one can deny the influence of both these humble saints. Hundreds
of lives were changed.
Father Richard Rohr states, “Rather than criticize
the evils of his time, St. Francis simply lived differently and let his
lifestyle be his sermon.” This is so counter culture by our current standards. Many
Christians feel it is their duty to reform the world not by kindness, or even
living the faith as Jesus instructed, but by screaming the Gospel at anyone they feel lacking.
What a shame. No wonder many cringe when they hear the word, “Christian.”
Imagine the results if we followed Saint Francis’
example, and rather than judging and ranting at those we call sinners, we invoked
the “soft prophecy” of kind words, deeds, and love for all of God’s creation. The
word, Christian, would conjure up
someone other than a mean-spirited, judgmental individual pounding others with
a Bible.
Jesus told us to love God with all of our hearts
and our neighbor as ourselves. He didn’t say go scream at them for their
political opinion or any other differences. He said those without sin may cast
the first stone. An old proverb reiterates you can catch more flies with honey
than vinegar, yet we still use hateful words.
We cannot control anyone, except ourselves. We can
however, be examples and inspirations to others. We can alleviate suffering
with compassion, one poor soul at a time. We may not be able to go to the slums
of India, or live in a cave in Italy, but we can treat our neighbors, our
co-workers, family, acquaintances, and strangers, both on social media and in
person, with compassion, instead of hatred. We can simplify our lives by not giving
into frivolous indulgences and over the top consumerism. If we concentrated on
the basics of food, clothing, and shelter, we would have more to give to
others, have more peace of mind, more satisfaction, and less stress.
Imagine.
