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Dear St. Hedwig Family:
The philosopher Charles Taylor writes that we are porous. As I was reflecting on this, I
see significant implications. We are indeed porous, that is, we are permeable,
susceptible to take in what is around us. Some people are more porous that others, that
is, they are highly sensitive and absorb more of their environment. This can be both
good and bad, depending on what is being let in. For example, many people find
themselves in an unhealthy situation or relationship, and this becomes detrimental to
their wellbeing. People come to me with resentment, anger, and sadness because of
difficult people or circumstances in their life. They soak in the negativity and evil and get
stuck or weighed down by their trials. I try to tell them that to a certain extent, they have
a choice, they don’t need to be a victim of circumstances. They can choose to distance
themselves from the persons and situations that are causing them distress.
We are all connected and can pick up and take in the mood and struggle of others. But
at the same time, if we are in a pleasant environment or around joyful positive people,
we can absorb their goodness. The reverse is also true. We can influence others by
how we are doing. When I am in a bad mood or struggling, my staff can sense it, and
they give me space. But when I am joyful and energetic, they share in my excitement.
Since we can easily influence one another, for good or for bad, we should take care to
separate ourselves to the extent practical, from unnecessary evil and to immerse
ourselves in things, people and places that lift us up.
This is also true for the supernatural. There is a very real spiritual world around us made
up of goodness such as God, angels, and the saints, but also evil spirits, the demonic
and the occult. Many people are not aware of these spiritual influences and can
unwittingly put themselves in sinful and evil environments and suffer the consequences.
When we were young, we were told to be careful of the company we keep. We can
either be inspired by our peers and become better or be influenced to go down a path of
destruction and misery. I see so many people with tremendous potential who hung out
with the wrong crowd, made bad choices, and spiraled downward. But it is never too
late, until it is too late, to disengage from harmful people and environment, and to
choose the right path and put ourselves in the presence of God and good people. That
is why I encourage people to go to Mass, including daily Mass, to go to Confession
monthly, and to spend time with Jesus in Adoration. There are so many opportunities to
immerse ourselves in God’s presences, soak in his graces and be transformed by the
Holy Spirit. The fact that we are porous has a domino effect. We can allow negativity,
and evil can bring us down or we can overcome evil with good. As we soak in God’s
goodness, we can become a channel of God’s grace for others.
With much love and care,
Fr. Quan Tran
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