Molly Fernandes
The Apostolic Exhortation Familiaris Consortio of Pope John Paul II states: The whole Church is obliged to a deep reflection and commitment, so that the new culture now emerging may be evangelized in depth, true values acknowledged, the rights of men and women defended, and justice promoted in the very structures of society. Our Age Needs Wisdom. In this way the “new humanism” will not distract people from their relationship with God, with people and with creation in spite of all that the world offers but will lead them to it more fully (cf # 8).
The following words of the second Vatican Council can therefore be applied to the problems of today’s society with the endless scrupulosity in giving justice to the needy, the innocent: Our era needs such wisdom more than bygone ages if the discoveries made by man are to be further humanized. For, the future of the world stands in peril unless wiser people are forthcoming. Because the education of the moral conscience, which makes every human being capable of judging and of discerning the proper ways to achieve self-realization according to his or her original truth, thus becomes a pressing requirement that cannot be renounced.
In light of these writings the words of the psalmist “Even though I walk in the dark valley I fear no evil, for you are at my side”, prove true to those who trust in Him. This Word comes to mind as I read the Word from Prophet Daniel chapter 13, the beautiful episode which especially reminds Authority and the persons of wisdom – the advisers, the counsellors, the lawyers, the judges or whoever you call them – make and take decisions or pronounce judgement! Not to take the Spirit of God for granted and accuse the innocents because of the given status. Accuse the innocent because of egotistic and personal differences. Condemn the guiltless.
One of the Talmudic principles is paradoxical, but very revelatory: “If everyone is in agreement to condemn someone accused, release him, for he must be innocent”. The unanimity in the condemnation of Susanna was one such case where the innocence of the victim was drowned in the popular din. And Daniel was brave enough to challenge the unanimity and open the eyes of the people. Openness to the Word of God and His Spirit fills us with wisdom, makes us affective and ignites the darkened places. Moreover, saves a soul from further dent.
In this modern culture, the ‘throw away culture’ we need to use things and not persons; the dignity of human being upheld and to keep abreast with the signs of the times – read, reflect and respond with divine Wisdom. Today what we need to do is to enter into the struggle of another, the mental ordeal the other goes through and find ways to empower and liberate. Find ways to instil hope and elevate the other. In addition our lives are not always a constant high but there are moments of discomfort, moments of being washed away by the tide…
Many questions will arise but a change of attitude towards the other can save the face from condemnation and instil hope in the person.
