Love vs. Indifference

Pope Francis on Palm Sunday

Elie Wiesel said, "The opposite of love is not hate, it's indifference." Those words struck me as all too true. When we distance ourselves from those who are needy, difficult, or unresponsive, we are usually not hateful but indifferent. When we pass by beggars or the homeless asking for money, we are generally indifferent. When we fail to notice the depressed and lonely, we are being indifferent. In his Palm Sunday homily, Pope Francis decried indifference to refugees fleeing violence and persecution. In a sense, indifference is as bad as hate because we show no feeling at all toward fellow human beings. Even when we are busy with duties and obligations, we can still smile at those we pass. Even when we have little ourselves, we can give something. Giving the gift of time is perhaps the best gift we can give to the neglected in care facilities or shut-ins at home. Becoming a volunteer for Meals on Wheels, or soup kitchens, or Catholic Worker houses is a way to overcome indifference. Many people need to feel needed and there are so many places that would welcome the help. During this Holy Week when we commemorate Jesus giving  his very life for others, maybe we could make an effort reach out to those we ordinarily pass by.