This article showed up in my news reading today and I couldn't help but marvel at its timeliness.
A group of priests in Mexico are delivering a controversial message: Mexicans should forgive their brothers and sisters, even those involved in the drug trade who may have killed their family members.
The message was delivered during a Sunday homily in Mexico City, but it was also delivered in a dramatic video making the rounds on the Internet.
The short film is called "Hermano Narco" and it tells the story of a 13-year-old girl whose parents are massacred by a drug gang. To add insult to injury, the gang crashes the funeral, but the girl decides to forgive them saying that perhaps someone had done the same thing to their parents and no one bothered to give them a hug.
I think of non-violence like I think of conversion: it is a journey. It needs to be re-evaluated every day. It is a process. I would dare to say that non-violence is a necessary part of Christian conversion.
We have so far to go.
Pax et bonum
My brother Thom, I have actually identified you not as non-violent or pacifist, but as someone who is trying to be non-violent and pacifist. Just like almost anyone else (and certainly like myself), you sometimes fall into the trap of insulting someone, even on your blog, when criticism enters the personal sphere.
ReplyDeleteIt is a lifelong journey, and I still've got many miles to travel.
My focus nowadays is on the family level - it's often easier to be nonviolent in your form of communication to strangers than to those who know you best and know all your weaknesses.
It is a change of heart and starts with nonviolent communication (check out Marshall B. Rosenberg on that subject).
Pax et bonum,
Ralf
Of course, I fail, often and miserably.
DeleteI don't think forgiving them will make the situation in Mexico better. While it's noble and probably right thing to do, Mexicans should actively work on the solution to the problem. This won't help.
ReplyDeleteYou're probably right, Peter. It probably won't affect the cartels or end the killing. The only hope is that it might shine a little light, if nowhere else but in the hearts of the innocent. Mexico is a scary, terrible place right now.
DeleteBrother Thom,
ReplyDeleteI'm impressed by your non-violent approach and kindness. Even when you refer to faithful Catholics as the Taliban!. I still think you mean well.
Perhaps that's not the best way to refer to them, but you instantly knew who I meant. haha. You're right, though.
Deleteyou're a disgrace to the church.
ReplyDeleteThank you. That was sweet.
Delete