"Where there is doubt, faith"
Recall Francis was asking to be made and instrument of peace. What peace? God's peace! So this next line might well be interpreted as, having the strength and conviction in one's own believe, that they are then in turn able, to help bolster someone else's flagging faith.
I'm not talking about evangelizing - standing on street corner's preaching.
But certainly if someone you encounter (or a friend) has temporarily forgotten who they are, you certainly can give them a "shot in the arm.." to help to remind them. Who doesn't get a little down-hearted sometimes; or become taunted by their own self-doubts. I know it's been true for me.
In some of the twelve step rooms there's a slogan that goes: "Let us Love you, until you can love yourself."
A little sincere encouragement from another can, go a long way. If you frequent a particular spiritual community, then maybe the support you render might be, specifically focused toward God. Sometimes the cards that life deals can test the most ardent faith - whether that is in "God" - a "loving universe" or that everything will work out. Of course one must muster their own "get up & go," but it is also true "no man is an island." This is where a recognition in "interdependence" is of great benefit. Just think about a time when you felt dejected and overwhelmed with some current circumstances and somebody intervened with a helping hand or some encouraging words that changed your perspective. This is the power we each have to direct toward each other (rather than this notion of always being in competition).
Even the simplest gesture of kindness or encouragement can have immeasurable impact on the recipient. How many times have you heard someone say, "this" (whatever is what) restores my faith in humanity." Consider this is not just an empty platitude and that the one doing the "restoring" - is embodying what it is, to be that instrument Francis wrote about.
R. O'Neill (July 13, 2018)
No comments:
Post a Comment