People of compassion have a lot to grieve about these days: the callous
treatment of refugees, increasing rates of violence and suicide, and
exploitation of the earth, to name just a few crises. However, we can take
counsel from the words of Sirach, which echo back to us from the third century
BC:
“Do not give in to sadness, or torment yourself deliberately.
Gladness of heart is the very life of a person, and cheerfulness prolongs his
or her days. Distract yourself and renew your courage, drive resentment far
away from you; for grief has killed many, and nothing is to be gained from
resentment. Envy and anger shorten one's days, and anxiety brings on premature
old age" (Sirach 30:21-24).
We are called to respond to the day’s needs as best we can,
remembering that many others are doing the same, and offer our prayers for the
people we can’t reach personally. To give in to sadness and grief is of no
benefit to anyone, but to gladden our own hearts and those of others through
kindness is a real act of courage in the midst of difficult times. May your
heart be glad today, remembering the generosity of God and the resilience of
the earth, gifts that can help us all to thrive when used wisely.
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