Ted's Talk
I want to start the new year with hope. Each news story, however, points to chaos, fragility of life, and our brokenness.
I was not expecting an escalating Middle East crisis or wildfires besieging an entire continent (and underscoring the urgency of the climate crisis). I know we still have demons to face in the United States, but the rise of anti-Semitism and the continued lack of civility in our political and religious circles is increasingly troubling.
Vulnerable and disappointed—yes; hopeful—not so much.
Vulnerability, though, can be a force for good. In as much as vulnerability is a measure of our capacity to be hurt or wounded, it is also a measure of our capacity to love. Being vulnerable against our will is abuse, violation, and violence. But in following Jesus we are choosing the risks of love and a vulnerability that comes from love lived in the world.
Vulnerable times as these invite us to new ways of being.
Can we treat each other compassionately and seek opportunities to dialogue? Can we build bridges and cross into new understandings and ways of life?
Perhaps the new class of Maryknoll lay missioners, who just traveled to their new homes, can lead the way. Perhaps,
together
, we can all explore little ways “to share faith and this journey of life,”
as Peg Vámosy and her Salvadoran community demonstrate in
this month’s video highlight.
Love requires a willingness to take risks and to care for one another, whereby the other’s fate affects one’s own. In such moments, God may surprise us and we might find our vulnerability
turning to hope and the promise of love magnified
. I pray we can all start the new year with this hope.
Peace and every good,
