NPR recently broadcast the Pope’s challenge. He is calling all people to look at four issues through a humanitarian rather than a political lens. He is asking us to:

1. extend our definition of pro-life to embrace the dignity of all people
2. eschew wealth and consumption
3. embrace creation care as a matter of justice
4. exude joy in a world of sorrow

I get the bookend issues (#1 and #4). Myopic fury over abortion fails to consider quality of life issues for people of all ages and circumstances. And in our fear and horror of world events, we give the Devil his due, but do we live lives of grateful thanks and praise to our Creator?

As for #2 and #3 on the list, we tend to base our judgements and decisions on world views that are informed by philosophy and politics, which influence our faith. Maybe it should be the other way around.

Dana Giola, former chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts , commented in the Wall Street Journal (09/21/2015) that, while news commentators try to reduce the Pope’s challenging talk into right and left political categories, he believes faith transcends political categories. So I ask myself, if I set my preconceptions aside for a time, what might I be willing to do in these areas? Meaningful action, not endless talk. 

Being Mindful

Being mindful seems like a good start. If I acknowledge those around me who are outside the boundary of my cohort, I will meet the eyes of store clerks during transactions, stop to listen to people who want to tell their stories, and be less dismissive of those whose behavior offends me.

I attended a #BiolaontheRoad event, A Reasonable Faith in an Uncertain World. Theologian Sean McDowell pointed out that Jesus taught truth in the context of relationship. Heart change happens only when someone speaks the truth in love after they have earned the right to do so.

This came home to me when a recent spate of burglaries were reported in my community. The comments on social media about the suspects in custody were polarized. One group of people expressed outrage and suggested action against the suspects that involved ropes and guns. Another group of people expressed sadness. What was the difference? The second group of people knew the suspects. They had grown up with them. They felt bad that their friends’ lives were so broken, they had resorted to crime. They hoped that getting caught would cause their friends to turn their lives around.

Now, I don’t like the idea of someone coming into my house and stealing my stuff. How naive to believe that a meth addict who is picked up for burglary and released soon after because of overcrowded jail conditions won’t turn right around and do it again. But if we embrace the dignity of all people, we will check our anger and guard our tongues, especially in situations were we don’t know the people involved. That doesn’t mean we won’t fill out a police report and testify in court. It means while we take extra care to lock our doors, we might also take a “there but for the grace of God” moment.

Less is More

Applying mindfulness to the second missive is a little easier. If I put my mind to it, I can own less and consume less. I’m not sure what the global effect of my efforts will be, but I see the wisdom of making more space in my bedroom closet, at my kitchen counter, and on my calendar for higher priorities (like face time with people).

Finding joy in the moment? Staying in place and going deeper where I stand will ultimately be less stressful than following rabbits down dark holes and chasing squirrels up tangled trees.

Caring for the planet to create better conditions for all? I have to admit that one makes my eyes cross. I will try to remember to pull my reusable shopping bags out of the trunk of my car when I go to the market. Maybe I should only buy what I can carry home in my hands. More trips to the store. More gas consumption.

This isn’t easy stuff!

photo credit: IMG_2368 1 via photopin (license)