A "Messy" World

On an interview in the Jon Stewart Show, Jon Stewart and former secretary general of the UN , the conversation began like this: Jon Stewart: How's the world. Kofi Annan: Messy. When we hear stories of immense suffering or injustice in the news, we tend to feel sad for a few minutes and then move on with our daily lives. Unfortunately I have also taken part in the phenomenon. For many people, it's hard to relate to a problem like poverty or starvation when we are so blessed. Too often, even if there is great tragedy in the world, we are too used to hearing about awful things like genocide and war. It takes a tragedy on our own soil, as Andy Otto (http://bustedhalo.com/features/desensitized-to-a-messy-world) said, to get us to realize that there is indeed great suffering in the world. Though it's great to have compassion for people in suffering, we need to realize the we can't fight all the battles of the world. Like Romero said, we need to pick one thing and do it very well. I think when a friend tells us a story of their own suffering, it hits much closer to home even if the tragedy is on a much smaller scale because it is happening to someone we love. We are more predisposed to help those who are close to us, even if it's just by being there to listen, because we can more readily see the fruits of our labors (not in an entirely selfish sense-- rather, it is sometimes more rewarding to help someone whom we love than a stranger). The Gospel says we "ought" to respond with compassion. We should, like Jesus, alleviate the suffering of others-- especially those who are marginalized and beaten down. The Gospel's main message is challenging us to love others, especially those we wouldn't be as close with otherwise. I think this can be applied to a contemporary context by trying to love one's neighbor regardless of characteristics, values, or views. Whether it is someone's race, religion, ethnicity, orientation, gender, political views, socioeconomic class, or other, we should act as dear neighbor to all. I think living by the Gospel message is putting one's heart and soul into helping others-- whether this is working to end child hunger in Africa or just simply being a great listener for a friend in crisis. For example, I have worked in community service before-- like working at the zoo, which is supporting justice for our environment and creatures. However, just by being there for a friend, I feel I have done work that is just as great as my larger-scale service. By engaging the "messiness" of life, great or small, we are acknowledging its presence and working to change it.