CONNECT OR DISCONNECT

CONNECT OR DISCONNECT

“Quantum physics is based on the primacy of energy and the interconnectedness of all that exists. “(Sr. Ilia Delio FSE)

That is the only definition of Quantum physics I actually understand.  The interconnectedness of everything is something we actually know intrinsically, but for some insane reason the human race has done everything in its power to deny it.

In Shakespeare’s Merchant of Venice, Shylock speaks of it with eloquence in comparing Jews with Christians.  “When you tickle us, do we not laugh?  When you prick us do we not bleed? When you poison us, do we not die?”

Even so, Jews were so hated they were nearly annihilated from the planet.  People give those who are different insulting names to further the distance between us.  Good people refer to others as ‘those people’ and say with a knowing look,  ‘well, you know how THEY are.’  Most of these people are Christians or think of themselves that way.  What’s to be done?   If interconnectedness is too big of a word how about family?

I watched a documentary of the Tsunami of 2004. Of those interviewed, all of whom lost someone that day, the prevailing thought was that they were meant to live lives with more meaning, more kindness and more awareness of the bonds between human beings.  They had been stripped of everything except the will to survive and the desire to help anyone they could.  Prayers were heard in every possible language.  280,000 people perished and over 500,000 worked to save others, to help people to find their families and compile lists of everyone who could be identified, alive or dead.  Interconnectedness indeed. 

So what makes us do it?  Mostly, I think it boils down to a fear of change.  Fear that people of other cultures will intrude on our way of doing things and make us feel like outsiders.  When people speak their own languages, it makes us uncomfortable.  Culturally speaking everyone is stranger to everyone else.  In some countries the market places have dogs hanging up to be sold as meat.  A custom we think is barbaric considering the pedestal we place our dogs on.  In India, however, they view anyone who eats beef as the lowest of the low.  These differences are never going to go away so we have to learn to understand, to be patient, to try to find a common ground.  We have to. 

God is the creator of all and if you ask him who is more important, his answer will be simple;  “Those who hear my word and keep it.”   In case anyone has forgotten the words are, “Love one another.”  We have to try to build within us the spirit that causes people to go out of their way to help in disasters.  If we can foster that spirit in everyday life, we will make great strides in connecting with our neighbors.  Peace and justice are just pipe dreams unless we do.

Here’s to finding the connection.

Carol Lemelin OPA