Who is right?

Wednesday 4th November, 2020

For some reason I get angry at the supposed stupidity of others. Of course that is a value judgement. Why are the choices of others not better, more moral, moral sensible and informed than my own? Who am I to judge, to condemn, to claim I know best? It is just that I woke to the undecided result of the American Presidential Election. It would seem to be that the voting is in favour of the return to the White House of Trump. I presumed that there would be a huge rejection of his policies, his attitude and his style and persona. Why did I presume that? I only have information as relayed through the media. It is my instinct. I am trying desperately to control myself over this, especially as I know some people who admire him and believe in his approach. I do recall an interesting piece on the BBC news page written by a couple, one of whom was pro Trump, the other was pro Biden. They lived well together and loved each other and accepted each other and were able to talk of it calmly. Perhaps there has just been too much heat and anger.

I feel the same about the British Prime Minister. In all the letters I write about him I am not positive. Yet most of my correspondents believe in him. They argue their point, I babble mine...and we remain friends. I suppose I just want a magic wand to solve the massive problems of so many. Perhaps I am simply disappointed with God. Does the all loving, all powerful Father and Creator of us all not know how to cure the sick, feed the hungry, clothe the naked as Jesus told us to do?

I try to come to terms with it all. I turn to the Mystics who do truly understand.

Apart from that I find solace in books, emails, letters, friends, films and food. Of late I have discovered that if I take my walk at about 13.00 I can pop in to the local Co-op store and search the 'reduced' section. Yesterday pork pies and scotch eggs. Today hummus and a bread roll.

The walk cheered me also. I was wandering through the park when a conga stream of children from the local Primary School came along. They were in line, holding hands, chatting away, full of excitement with attentive teachers. A real fount of potential and a full youthful energy and what felt like a joie de vivre . The sun was shining and as they passed they all said hallo or some such. Thankfully the powers that be have not closed them down. Now that is sensible in my eyes but I did meet someone who thought it stupid to keep the schools open.

When will we all agree? I recall years ago hearing the story of the Great King Abdullah of Jordan. He was a deeply wise and good man, a fervent Moslem who sadly was assassinated at the Mosque in Jerusalem. It was reported that the Roman Catholic Bishop wanted to extend his Cathedral in Amman. In so doing a small mosque would have to be demolished. It came to pass that the Bishop had to present his plans to the King. In great trepidation he did so. The King looked at the plans, studied them seriously and listened to the Bishop. Supposedly the conversation went thus:

" Monsignor, I see that your plans include the demolition of one of my Mosques"

" Yes, your Majesty" replied the trembling Bishop.

A long pregnant pause, a stern look, a fearful visage and then a smile

" Monsignor, when all Christians can agree, come back and you can build your Church".

When will we all agree? Is there anything on which we could or should?