… in the Midst of Upheaval

This year, Thanksgiving occurs in the midst of many challenges. The world is saturated in war. Ebola threatens to invade not only Africa but the USA and Canada. Work is scarce and poverty continues to increase the disparity between the rich and poor. Heavy rain pelting the window confirms my fear that the late growing crops will not be harvested this fall.

What is one to do in the face of all this bad news? One might be tempted to play Job and curse one’s fate. However, my morning walks confirm that the sun’s healing rays still shine on us. Beauty surrounds us on every side. Crisp fall mornings lighten my spirit. Bright autumn flowers and the magnificent neon reds and oranges of trees are a feast for the eyes. Happy children wait for the school bus watched by attentive parents.

In the wider world, the United Nations is hammering out a new global agreement on reducing carbon emissions. We teeter on the cusp of a global transition to a new safe energy economy. New attempts are being made to redirect locating new fossil fuel deposits to exploring new safe energy initiatives. Young Emma Watson of Harry Potter fame recently addressed the UN to endorse the “Heforshe” initiative for gender equality.

Year after year, Thanksgiving reminds us of the good gifts God brings in spite of massive turmoil. In the haunting words of “Desiderata”, the poet Max Ehrmann reminds us: “With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world.” Happy Thanksgiving.

Jean Moylan, CSJ

If not me, who, and if not now, when!

Last week many cities across our country hosted events called “Take Back the Night”, focusing on the need to end violence against women.  Even the need for such rallies once again remind us that Gender Equality is still not a reality in Canada or around the world. Embedded in this blog is a message from Emma Watson, of Harry Potter fame, who addressed the UN General Assembly with a strong message for men and women reminding us that this is not just a women’s issue, but it is also an issue for men as well.  She has launched a “Heforshe” campaign, and although only 24 years old, reminds us that gender bias and gender violence will not change unless we all embrace this issue. “If not me, who, and if not now, when!” 

Joan Atkinson CSJ