There are certain phrases I hear or read frequently that annoy me. One phrase is this: “in our troubled times.” It seems to imply that other times in the past were not troubled or, at least, not as troubled as our times are today. Other phrases are “in our polarized times,” “our violent times,” “our uncertain times,” or “our unprecedented times.” I am not denying the polarization, violence, and uncertainty of our times. And I even acknowledge that in some ways our times are unprecedented. But we do ourselves (and our Christian faith) a grave disservice if we think we are the only human beings who ever lived during “troubled times.” That’s why I believe a basic familiarity with history is essential for us to get a much needed perspective on our current times.
Take polarization. If we view Ken Burns’ incredible documentary on the American Revolution, we will learn how deeply divided the colonists were on declaring their independence from England. Neighbors argued with or even fought against neighbors over this issue. Violence and uncertainty? Read first-hand accounts of the Civil War and you will see unimaginable violence and terrifying uncertainty. And wasn’t the Great Depression “unprecedented” for the people (such as my grandparents and parents) who lived during those times? And what about World War II? Most historians describe those times in words such as these: “World War II was the largest, deadliest, and most destructive conflict in human history.” It took the lives of 60-80 million people–most of them civilians! Virtually every human being on earth was somehow impacted by the global devastation of that war–whether you lived on an island in the Pacific (think Pearl Harbor) or in Timbuktu in West Africa (I verified this fact!) or Willoughby Hills, Ohio–where I was born during the final year of the war. Upon birth I was issued a ration book which I still have. Uncle Sam was inviting me to join the war effort! My weight was listed as 7 lbs. 3 ozs. and my height was 20 inches!
If we think our times are unprecedented, we might be tempted to throw a “pity party,” for ourselves, moaning, “Poor us! No one ever had it so bad!” Or we might try to escape from our awful world. Several “escape hatches” are readily available. One is denial: “Things aren’t as bad as they seem.” Well, unfortunately, SOME things ARE as bad as they seem–or maybe even WORSE. Or we can try to escape the pains of our times through addictions to such things as alcohol, other drugs, gambling, the internet, food, shopping, gaming, social media, and work. Ironically, even religion can be used as an escape hatch: “I don’t care about what’s happening on this earth. I’m thinking only about getting to heaven!”
To escape from the real world is not only impossible, it is tragic. Why? Because, our faith teaches us that human life is a gift from God. And we believe (as I’ve said before) that “REALITY is God’s home address.” That means God is with us in our times. Even more, God is alive and active in whatever times or circumstances we find ourselves. But God is with us not simply to console or comfort us. God is with us urging us to get involved with the troubles of our day. How? By calling us to ever greater love, goodness, justice, and care for one another in our real world. To illustrate what this involvement looks like, Jesus himself gave us a few concrete examples in Matthew 25:31-46: feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, welcome the stranger, clothe the naked, care for the ill, visit the imprisoned.
Martin Luther King, Jr. was a man who became deeply involved in one of the primary “troubles” of his day, a trouble that continues to plague us: the injustices spawned by deep-seated racisim. King once said this about Jesus’ parable of the Good Samaritan. When the Levite and priest saw the wounded man by the side of the road, they asked themselves, “If I stop and help this man, what will happen to me?” But the Samaritan reversed the question. He asked, “If I do not stop to help this man, what will happen to him?” King labeled the Samaritan’s decision and subsequent actions as “unselfish sacrificial loving.” It is the kind of loving Jesus showed throughout his life–especially on the cross.
Sometimes this “unselfish sacrificial loving” is dramatic and newsworthy: think Mary saying “yes” to God at the Annunciation… the early Christians being slain in the Coloseum, and countless other unselfish loving people such as Francis of Assisi, Abraham Lincoln, Mother Cabrini, Dorothy Day, Oscar Romero, Mother Teresa. But often this sacrifical loving is less dramatic–yet no less real:
The young couple welcoming a new baby into the world–despite our “troubling times”… Parents or grandparents who are doing the daily hard work of raising children… Teachers enthusiastically devoted to their students… Medical professionals caring for the ill among us… Scientists in their labs doing vital yet often tedious research to improve the quality of life…. The woman who just donated a total of 20 gallons of blood… Pastors responding generously to the many needs of their parishioners… Married couples remaining faithful to each other “in sickness and in health”… Picketers peacefully demonstrating for their neighbors who are being treated unjustly… Retirees volunteering for years with Meals on Wheels… Lawyers doing pro-bono work for the poor of their local community… And the teenage boy who mows his elderly neighbor’s lawn in summer and shovels her sidewalk in winter–for free. (She repays him with cookies and brownies!)
So rather than lamenting the times in which we find ourselves, let us ask ourselves, “Where can I help? How can I help? Whom can I help?” And also ask, “If I do not stop and help this man, this woman, this child, these people, what will happen to them? And consequently, what will happen to us?” I agree with the words of Bishop Michael Curry who spoke at the royal wedding of Prince Harry and Megan Markle in 2018. In essence he said,”Only unselfish, sacrifical love has the power to heal us and change our world for the better.”
For reflection:
Has your knowledge of history ever given you a better perspective on a current issue or event? In what way?
Do you ever get overwhelmed or depressed by the bad news you encounter frequently? If so, what are some of the ways you prevent yourself from becoming totally hopeless?
Did you ever feel “the call” to help someone in need, a call you felt you couldn’t resist? Could you share that experience with us?
Can you think of any other examples of “unselfish sacrifical love”–whether dramatic or small–that you have seen or been involved in? Could you share your example(s) with us below?
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P.S. Wishing you all a wonderful Memorial Day weekend, the official beginning of summer! May we take a few moments to pray for all our service members throughout our history who gave the ultimate gift of their lives for our precious blessings of freedom, peace, and justice for all. And may we ask our Beloved God for the gift of unselfish, sacrificial love in ourselves to ensure these same blessings for our future generations.
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I have two videos for you today. The first is a song by Jesse Manibusan entitled “Hold on to Love.” The second is a short, short story in cartoon form called “Helping Others Is the Key to Happiness.”
Song: “Hold on to Love” – 4:21 mins.
Cartoon short story: – 2:09 mins. Notice the main character’s hands (and eyes) in the film… and when is the first time you see him smile? And what do his hands do in the rest of the film?
I invite you to respond below to the reflection, the questions, the photos, or the videos. I’m always eager to hear from you!
32 Responses
The ending of the cartoon story was a surprise.
Thank you for everything Sr. This added dimension got me to finally say so.
Annette, Glad you enjoyed the surprise ending of the cartoon! Thanks for writing! Melannie
Good morning, Melannie…
Good morning, all…
“Reality is God’s home address.” Absolutely!
There’s that question: If you could go back in time, where would you go? My answer, especially these days, is nowhere. I like it right now. Take the decade of the 60s, for example. I was alive during those years, but would I want to go back there? No way. There was the Cuban missile crisis, four major assassinations in five years, and the Vietnam war. Yes, there were good things too. The moon landing, the advent of Medicare and Medicaid, and the Voting Rights Act of 1965 (which some say is currently being weakened). And I’m sure all that I just mentioned somehow informs the present.
But that’s just it. We are living in the present time, the fullness of time, the land of the living. The fact that we are indeed “living” in this day the Lord has made is indeed a cause for rejoicing. So let’s take our hands out of our pockets, roll up our sleeves, and go about making God’s home address a better place!
Between Sister’s blog and John’s comments – wow. So much to consider and be thankful for – especially on Memorial Day. Thank you both for your words.
And thank you, Celeste, for your words “So much to consider and be thankful for–especially on Memorial Day.” Amen to that! Melannie
John, I really, really liked your last sentence: “So let’s take our hands out of our pockets, roll up our sleeves, and go about making God’s home address a better place!” You synthesize the entire reflection into one memorable sentence. Wow! Thank you! Melannie
Thank you..
Take away the strong access to media we are all addicted to, and there would be no difference from other times…peace
Pat, Yes the “strong access to media” (in many parts of our world) is one of the “unprecedented” characteristics of our contemporary society. Thanks for pointing that out to us. Melannie
Thank you for another beautiful reflection. I really enjoyed the video. It inspires us to be aware of life around us. Have a meaningful Memorial Day.
Diane, I liked your response to the cartoon: “It inspires us to be aware of life around us.” You can view the whole cartoon just by focusing on the man’s eyes. He didn’t notice the people in need around him–until that sweet elderly lady, takes his arm, “announcing” her need–and she assumes he will help her cross that street. Thank you for your comment. Melannie
Good luck to your Cavs tonight Sr Melannie!
You are such a profound teacher! I will be passing this week’s blog along for others to be inspired.
I was touched by every part of your lecture/presentation/lesson, and it only got better from start to finish. However, what really nudged me was MLK, Jr’s wisdom about having the courage to be selfless in helping those who are outcasts in society while ignoring the consequences to our own well-being. May God grant us a courage contagion.
Barry, (Well we know what happened to the Cavs… But thanks for your well wishes!) I just came across King’s words about the Good Samaritan–while I was composing this reflection. I’m convinced the Spirit led me to them at precisely this time–for his words really moved me! And your last sentence, Barry, is great: “May God grant is a courage contagion.” And we might add: and may I become one of the “infected” ones! Melannie
Thank you for another beautiful and meaningful reflection on this Memorial Day. John’s comments sums it all up so powerfully. Yes we are living in difficult times but we are LIVING in the time God has given us so let’s be grateful and pass his blessings on to those in need however we can. Kindness every day is a good start.
Loretta, I certainly agree with your words about John’s comment… And I liked your words, “we are LIVING in the time God has given us.” And I agree, a good place to start is kindness, simple kindness, every day kindness. Thanks Loretta! Melannie
Thank you for the reality perspective … yes!
Attended a Memorial Service for a 14 yr old who enlisted in the Civil War on the Unión side and became a drummer boy … certainly gave me a reality check.
Joanne, What a poignant story… a 14-year-old… The statitics of the number of deaths caused by our Civil War cannot be understood until we reflect on the story of ONE of those casualities–a 14-year-old drummer boy… Thank you for sharing your experience. Melannie
👍 to the video!!
And the thought-provoking message!
Sometimes life get overwhelming with people we love being so far at the opposite pole – we just need to take a deep breath and remember what’s really important! Thank you for the perspective
Patt, I especially appreciated your words “take a deep breath”… and “remember what’s really important.” Thank you for this comment! Melannie
Beautifully written. Thank you Sister
Thank you Sr. Melannie for giving us a different perspective of life in our world today. I tune in to the end of the news on Saturday night because it takes a minute or two to share the good that is happening in our world. Afterwards I find myself wishing that it was the whole newscast. My students from kindergarteners to eighth graders always inspired me with their enthusiasm in helping others. I try to do my part to make this world a place that reflects God’s love of each of us to honor my students as well as thank Him for remaining with as as He promised.God bless you Sr. Melannie and God bless each of us.
You’re welcome, Anita. Thank you for reading my blog and giving me some feedback! Melannie
Martha, I too am always on the lookout for good news… You must have been a good teacher, because you saw the good in your students and were inspired with their enthusiasm. The man in the cartoon did NOT NOTICE the good, ordinary people around him–at first… May we all keep noticing the good (especially good people) in our every day! Melannie
Thank you SO much Sister Melannie!
Barb, My pleasure! Melannie
Sr. Melannie, this is just what I needed to read this morning! Many, many thanks!
Mary Joyce, And many, many thanks for reading my blog and commenting! Melannie
Loved the cartoon at the end. Give me hope.
Kathleen, The cartoon gave me hope too! Thank you! Melannie
Our hand gestures can tell so much! What a great video. Thanks for this reflection; and now I am beginning to watch the Ken Burns documentary which has opened me up to PBS in general. Oh, the magic of following wholesome suggestions can lead to a lifetime of fulfillment.
Brandon, Yes, “gestures” are such a vital part of our communication with others. Thanks for highlighting that fact. And I’m glad to hear you’re watching Ken Burns’ documentary on the American Revolution. It’s an incredible story. And once the patriots won the war, they had the even more challenging “job” of forming this new country–a country unlike almost every other country in the world at that time. Amazing! Thank you for writing, Brandon! Melannie
The formerly indifferent man would not have changed unless the old woman had reached out and grabbed him, ever so sweetly. Evidently he could have brushed her off, but he felt something we didn’t see. Call it empathy? Call it the recognition that her difficulty was easy for him to overcome? A sense that where a person in need is seen as kin by a person with health, freedom and ability, there is almost an automatic, spontaneous reaction to fulfill the need. It’s characteristic of many humans to ignore general concepts like “the poor” or “the handicapped,” as Scrooge did in the early pages of *A Christmas Carol*, but seeing the faces of people in need can enliven a dulled heart. God can change a heart of stone to one of flesh.
One of my favorite non-fiction books is *Beautiful Souls* by Yuval Press. Seeing a person, working or playing with people different from oneself can give that person empathy, the ability to feel with and for one or others who could be regarded as less important than oneself at a distance–but when known or seen face to face they are felt as equals.
George, I found these words of yours powerful: “where a person in need is seen as kin…” That’s a goal for all of us (especially those who think of themselves as Chistians) to reach for… And it’s one thing to read or hear about people in need, and another thing to look into their faces and speak with them. Thank you for your wise words! Melannie