God's Will Calls Us To Harmony

    Contrary to this harmony is division and suspicion caused by polarization, plaguing practically every facet of society, a consequence of the radical individualism that seemingly takes precedent to any notion of moral truth and the common good.  Rather than adhere to a set of principles based on actual facts, the concept of truth is made rather relative.  In many ways, truth has become something quite personal, based on an individual’s feelings.  Just take, for instance, the vast number of gender identities that have developed over the course of the last couple of years.  Regardless of an individual’s chromosome makeup, a person’s gender is determined by one’s feeling of self.  Extending this notion of truth being determined by feelings or personal agenda apart from actual facts, we can readily recognize the root cause of polarization that plagues politics, economics, religions, racial and ethnic relations, and even families.  There is little room to discover common ground.  Engaging in dialogue, or daring to consider any sort of compromise, is perceived as weak or disloyal.

    Polarization tends to feed narcissistic and demonizing behavior.  In his recent homily exhorting newly appointed cardinals to be witnesses of mercy and unity, on November 16, Pope Francis commented:  “Ours is an age of grave global problems and issues.  We live at a time in which polarization and exclusion are burgeoning and considered the only way to resolve conflicts…Little by little, our differences turn into symptoms of hostility, threats and violence…The virus of polarization and animosity permeates our way of thinking, feeling and acting.”  

    It is essential for human beings, and especially incumbent upon Christians, to rise above such radical individualism and consequent polarization.  Rather than an “either/or” approach, let us give further consideration to the need and possibility of the Catholic both/and.   For the Church to be effective in its mission, there must be a shared understanding and respect for the communal nature of humanity.  Human beings are social by nature.  While we each have our own unique gifts and talents, dreams and fears, history and shortcomings, we all have a need to belong.  Technology and social media, despite some very good purposes for learning and engagement, have contributed immensely to a growing sense of isolation and false sense of independence that ultimately descends into loneliness, fear, hopelessness, anxiety, despair, distrust and violence.  It is not so much about technology and social media, in themselves, but about the ways in which we misuse them.  Without a sense of community, addressing the communal reality of human nature, human beings are void of any real appreciation for the common good, collaboration, solidarity, unity, family, and balance of rights and responsibilities.  A commitment to community is absolutely essential to the realities of such sacred institutions of church, marriage, family, neighborhood, statehood, and national identity.  Any successful teamwork requires that a group of individuals have the ability to share a common cause and be willing to sacrifice for the sake of that cause in support of the welfare of others.  

The Church, as founded by Jesus Christ, is predicated on this same ability and willingness of those who claim to be Christian.  Together, as the Body of Christ, we are called to give joyful witness to the unity and hope of being in communion with God and one another in and through Jesus.  To enjoy this communion requires the attributes that Pope Francis exhorts us to possess; namely, mutual trust, respect, dialogue and accompaniment.  To counter the effects of radical individualism and polarization, we must cultivate the virtues of courage, humility and generosity.   Only then can we embark upon the path leading to the grace of encounter with God and others, made possible through Jesus Christ.  It all begins with the Christ-centered awareness of one another in our homes, parishes, schools, workplaces and neighborhoods.  In finding out way closer to God and one another, we are able to overcome the paralysis of resentment and bitterness through the process of reconciliation.  All things are possible with God, in truth and charity.