The most recent election has caused joy, panic, elation, fear and much more. I never want to let my blog be a platform for political commentary or rhetoric and having said that, I started this as I did to go a different direction with my thoughts. I am, however, an ethicist by training and experience so there are times when the overall situation demands some thought.
In the beginning of a new year, we face what is coming with the feelings noted above and so much more going on inside ourselves. Will I still have a job? Is this the year I can retire? What does this new year hold for me? Today is Epiphany in the Christian calendar. Also called Three Kings Day, this day moves us in the Christian faith from Advent and the twelve days of Christmas (yes, that is what the song is about) toward the coming of Lent and then Easter. It represents Christ and his message being given to the Gentiles through then presence of the three Magi. The word also means an experience of sudden or striking awareness or realization. Much like the word eureka.
That is where I am going because if you are reading this, you know about the religious meaning and day. The election recently should bring us all an epiphany and I think it does. There is a sudden awareness that our country is no what we thought it was and that hatred, fear and greed have never gone away. It makes no difference who you voted for, the epiphany is the same, “what have we become?” and “what does this future hold?”
I had an epiphany, garnered from the endless discussion and commentary. Here it is: rather than walk in a world of hear, hatred, greed, and worry and feel helpless or scared, I suddenly saw all of this as a time of Examen. That word, taken from the writings and practices of St. Ignatius, is exactly what I need and I think our whole Christian faith family needs. It is also what our country needs.
Borrowed from any simple Prayer card of the order, here is what we ought to do, especially in these days of concern: 1. Ask God for light; 2. give thanks; 3. Review the day; 4. Face your shortcomings; and, 5. Look toward the day to come. Now, for more depth about this simple but powerful process, you can easily find it on the internet. I present it here because I believe I need it every day, to keep me honest. Notice, there is nothing there about guilt or shame. Nope, just a good look inside, with thanks given for having had the day you have just lived. It is directed to our deepest places, the core of our being.
Sounds strange that I would start off with commentary on the world and go to personal examination. My epiphany is that I cannot change what is and it is unlikely my prayers to God to change it will do anything to change it. No friends, our prayer should change us and how we see life, not the rest of the world. I believe it is only when we choose to be changed that our world will change. Our new year should be filled with Examen, and with prayers for how we each can see what no one else wants to see and then be an instrument of peace and change. Start with you, be what you are called to be and be aware that part of that calling is to be “your brother’s keeper” and see where that takes you.
TMM