Well, Shakespeare got it right, “all the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely players; they have their exits and their entrances, and one man in his time plays many parts.” This was evident Friday night when thousands gathered as the Pan Am games arrived in Toronto. Here in London, friends and I settled into comfy chairs eagerly awaiting what promised to be a spectacular event. We could not have hoped for more. Cirque du Soleil pulled out all the stops to wow spectators in Toronto, abroad and us, a small reclining group.
From the word go I was dazzled by the stunning, mind-blowing display of beautiful artistry. Colourful gyrating, leaping, bouncing told the story of the hopes and dreams of the young. However, by the time cluster after cluster of hopeful athletes streamed into the stadium, the niggling had begun. Joy and sadness, these two emotions were jostling for control up in 'head-quarters.' Jostling for control just as I had recently seen them jostle in young Riley’s head-quarters in the movie Inside Out. The more I tried to ignore them, the more both clamoured for my attention. Before my eyes a joyous event unfolded, so why the tinge of sadness? I began to wonder whether I should bring this niggling sadness on the inside out.
The insight dawned gradually. Years of arduous planning, rehearsing and synchronizing culminated in this superbly executed ceremony. Here was Canada, decked in its finest hospitality, ready to host the greatest number ever of enthusiastic athletes from 41 countries, eager to compete and take home one of the 4,283 medals. Behind the scenes, far from the limelight, a less conspicuous, but equally meticulous planning, was done by The Faith Alliance. Their dedicated volunteers have given of their time to prepare to be part of the GIFTbox. This innovative project, created by STOP THE TRAFFICK and the United Nations Global Initiative to Fight Human Trafficking, plays an important part at these Pan Am games. A GIFTbox is a walk-in piece of public art that people will encounter in Toronto at St. James Cathedral on Church Street. It entices people inside by luring them with enticing promises. Once inside the truth about human trafficking will be revealed.
If as much arduous planning and dedication can be invested in stopping the wide spread human trafficking, as is invested by athletes in preparation to win in these games, you and I can put an end to it. St. Paul used games such as the Pan Am games as an analogy for a life well lived, and wrote: “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever” (1 Cor. 9:24-25). If we can be as focused and dedicated as those ancient runners or the athletes competing at the Pan Am games, we can bring about change. As I hear the Sisters of St. Joseph say over and over again, we are to care for 'the dear neighbour.' We are, indeed, our brother's and sister's keeper.
Like the torch bearers at the opening ceremony, let us fervently carry the torch for all who are being
trafficked. May our torches light a cauldron, a flaming sign proclaiming no more human trafficking!
Yes, all of us are merely players; we have our exits and our entrances, and each of us in our time plays many parts. Let us play our part well and when that last day comes, cross the final ‘finish line’ together.
Guest blogger, Sister Magdalena, cps, is a member of the Missionary Sisters of the Precious Blood. She currently ministers as a hospital chaplain.