Nation against Nation!

St John of Sahagrun Friday 12th June, 2020

We need men and women of the calibre and character and courage of St John. Foremost he was a humble man which in itself makes others less aggressive as he was not out for his own glory and aggrandisement but for the right resolution. Even in the fifteenth century he was known as a defender of the rights of workers, a tireless worker himself for justice and a peacemaker. Such people are needed as the world reacts to the demonstrations against racism, some turning violent. Also the sufferings of Hong Kong and all those who protest against injustice, the curbing of freedoms, the suppression of rights and the treatment of humans as if they were of no value but mere chattels , pawns, workers, statistics in an economic and political game. It is no game: this is about life, about the sanctity of life, the rights of human beings.

We should discuss the ramifications, the side effects such as looting of property ( never in my eyes acceptable) the destruction of livelihoods and businesses and even statues. As a man who has studied history I am saddened that we never seem to learn from the experiences, choices, mistakes of our ancestors. To me it is not good enough to say 'wars have always happened'. I even feel sad over Jesus's comment that 'the poor you have with you always'. Maybe, but it is our privilege, duty and responsibility to ever better the lives of our fellow human beings and of all creation of which we are a part not owners. As we wipe out species, as we destroy forests and jungles, as we poison our oceans and cause desertification of our lands surely we know we do wrong. Love is the answer...it builds up all things, all peoples and benefits both the loved and the lover.

As for statues and their destruction: we need reminders of a turbulent history, a self centred culture, an aggressive predatory nation so that we can look vicariously and objectively at our own evils. What was acceptable, even lauded, is no more in so many areas, ideals and ideologies. Slavery was evil and still is. We know that yet slavery continues...sex slaves, agricultural slaves, slaves to addictions also. Allowing people to starve when there is abundant food because the rapacious and greedy capitalists and profiteers, often admired and praised in our society, want more and more. This has happened in history, still happens. Nation against Nation, tribe against tribe, race against race: STOP.