Inspired by Scholastica

Human Rights for All

At our retreat last week, we reflected on St. Benedict’s Rule and the Eucharist. The retreat director was articulate, focused, and humorous. That’s A+ in my book. At the last session, he told us to “go,” and I think he gave some suggestions like “Go now and be loving,” “Go and forgive,” and all the other things Jesus told us to do.

My mind slid into thoughts about things I wanted to do or should do. In our present political climate, I need to contact my Senators and Representatives about my concerns such as federal workers losing their jobs and the possibility of cutting Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security. And I ought to voice my anxieties about deporting undocumented workers and their families. I should also make known my apprehensions about the Ukraine/Russia situation and how that could affect the United States and other countries. I need to clarify my fears about destroying the environmental progress the US has made, which our current leaders intend to reverse. And that’s only the tip of the iceberg.

Yes, we have to “go” and take action before our country is dominated by the billionaires. We need to write letters and make phone calls to Congresspersons and tell them to do their jobs. People who are able could go to participate in the protests that are taking place in cities across our country. We need to be more active in standing up to those who want to take away the freedoms that our forefathers and foremothers fought so hard to acquire. 

As you can tell, my retreat was not very restful and serene. I was very concerned about what is happening in our country.  We need to “go” do whatever we can to keep America a “land of the free and home of the brave.” But go in peace.

Barbara Mayer, OSB