Many threads. A friend observed that she had initially indicted the rich man. She then realized that she had just driven in her air conditioned car past scores of people living on the sidewalk in 117 degree heat. The film, The US and the Holocaust, painfully shows the consequences of treating Jews – or native Americans – or people of color – or anyone seen as different – as “other”. Genocide comes in many forms and in many time periods. And it begins in our hearts – in the rich man’s heart – when we fail to see our common humanity, our shared divinity. This week may I be alert to the ways in which I exclude “the other” Today begins a novena honoring St Francis whose feast day is October 4. Francis kissed the leper as a way of reconciling himself with “the other”. He saw all creation as his sisters and brothers (Brother Sun, Sister Moon).. Many threads. Much to contemplate.
