The Tribune

EDITOR, The Tribune.

History is full of events and people that have done horrible things, as we are witnessing in Gaza, The Middle East, Russia-Ukraine, and so many other places in the world. Bad things happening to good, innocent people, families, communities and entire peoples. Feeling helpless, unable to process all this horrible stuff you see in the media, are told by your leaders and word of mouth? Fatalism, helplessness and discouragement along with depression have shown its ugly face to us all. What can we possibly do about so many people suffering, tormented and injured? Honestly not enough, not a whole lot. We face greater pressure within our personal, professional lives, as the combination of worldly and personal distress builds towards a cloud of confusion, depression and helpless routine.

We can pray for an end to these ongoing events, cry out for mercy and peace to develop somehow between these combatants. Help the injured, nationless people, women, elderly and young looking for a return to homes that no longer exist. Donations can help but go only so far. While all hell breaks loose around the world we all search for answers to questions as old as history itself. Why, how, when? One can believe in a deity, a spiritual source of goodness that you can count on through thick or thin, peace or troubled. Prayer has its effect upon those who pray, asking for God’s will to be done, with mercy shown to all.

Lived Justice in action helping these people in their time of need lay within our grasp, a commitment of faith in each other as human beings, of the same family of Humanity that sees within us all that we are truly the same. The strength one can find within yourself, the courage to roll the dice by helping those in need, around you or half way across the world can be found if one looks within. If a child needs help, do you not help it? Then extend this compassion to strangers and possibly their children as well. Yah, I know we have done so in the past with Syrians, Afghans, African and Latino populations, and the blessings upon us continue and are appreciated. North Americans are a powerful people, compassionate, understanding and courageous when challenged, in war and peace time. Look to your neighbours, young and old and courageously open your hearts and minds to those who are in need. Extend this compassion to “others”, with the same courage demanded of all human beings.

Responding to the call of those in need, whether in your family, neighbourhood or across the planet, makes you liken to a God, for if God can only create life, you can preserve and protect it.

STEVEN KASZAB

Bradford, Ontario

November 4, 2023