'Change of Era'

When I look over the past year I am amazed at how much the world has changed. The mass shootings, the terrorism deaths, the ISIS threats have made people feel less safe.  The political campaigns have become more like vicious attacks than a serious outlay of positions and beliefs. Police brutality seems more prevalent, especially toward minorities. Colleges are now considering having students carry guns to protect themselves. Climate change is becoming more evident in the melting of ice caps, the extinction of species, the turbulence of weather patterns, the air pollution in cities. As Pope Francis has said, “This is not an era of changes but a change of era.” One could become very pessimistic about the evils that surround us. Yet like Anne Frank and Etty Hillesum, both victims of the Holocaust, we must focus on the good in people around us:  the generous benefactor, the patient waiter, the loving grandmother, the hardworking father, the kind neighbor, the thoughtful child, the cheerful salesperson, the zealous pastor, the understanding mother. And we must work to bring about the change we want to see by uniting with others pursuing the same goals. It is a monumental task, but one worth pursuing.