As the United States braced under a political tsunami of red and blue, the Villa Zoomers sought “A Better Kind of Politics” (Ch.5) of Pope Francis’ latest encyclical. Couched in readable prose, Fratelli Tutti spelled out a path for living in a world currently mired in a muddle of lies, disbelief, and misconception. What once we held as good manners, common decency, and basic morality seems to have eroded away to make room for the 21st century.
Who’s to blame? Perhaps all of us in one way or another. Did we turn a blind eye to the signs of our times? Succumb to the political propaganda of the day? Or fail to exhibit a greater spirit of sisterhood among those closest to us? For all this, we must incur a bit of the guilt.
A lion’s share of responsibility, however, must also be borne by governmental leadership that in the past has failed to foster economic policies that give a fair chance to those most vulnerable in society. Economic inequality perpetuated by large corporations is a major factor in the disconnect shot throughout our country. As the Global society unfolds, grave structural divisions between the haves and the have nots continue to stir discontent throughout our world.
Add to this the emotional toll of Coronavirus, the stress of natural disorders such as fire, flooding, wind and heat; the man-made turbulence of robbery and riots, and we come face to face with our limp humanity trying to come up for air. In Fratelli Tutti Pope Francis leads us to a point of freedom where we can abruptly stop and breathe deeply.
While Zoomers discussed the Pope’s plea for a “politics which is far-sighted and capable of new integral approaches,” we felt heartened by his hope-filled social stance that makes us seek the good of all peoples. This week, as the U. S. stands divided on the vestibule of a contentious election, we are called in Faith to adopt an attitude of “political love” that is capable of inspiring new ways of approaching the problems of today’s world.
May our prayer these days translate to the tiniest actions in our lives and move us closer to a profound sense of political awareness. We CAN change the world!