Friday, December 13, 2019

Peeling Back Scabs of Cynicism


In his book Prayers for a Planetary Pilgrim, Fr. Ed Hays talks about asking God to “…peel back the scabs of cynicism from my eyes so I might see your holiness ablaze at the tip of every branch and alive in every autumn leaf.”

To be cynical is to be distrustful of human nature and motives. Because we witness so much greed and corruption in the world, it is easy to succumb to cynicism. However, Advent calls us to reject cynicism as we anticipate our annual celebration of the birth of God made flesh.

God affirmed the human capability for goodness by choosing to dwell among us in human form. Yes, many people who have made gods of wealth, power, and fame behave despicably. Yet many more people reflect God’s goodness in their basic decency, love of family and friends, care for others and the earth, and instinct for kindness. Let us seek them out and together celebrate God’s love.

This Advent, don’t let the cataract of cynicism prevent you from seeing the holiness that is ablaze throughout the universe!

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