By Julie A. Ferraro | FāVS News Columnist
The views expressed in this opinion column are those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect the views of FāVS News.
Every culture has its old sayings — some genuinely wise, others improvised to fit a given moment (and often humorous).
One that made me laugh readily comes to mind, about traveling and being credited to Northern Ireland: “Never take an eejit [idiot] with you. You can always pick one up when you get there.”
As a youngster, I recall frequent quotes that began “Confucius says … ” Again, some were drawn from ancient Chinese wisdom, others made up on the spot.
Another strikes home for me, being of a creative bent:
“Art imitates life.”
Yeah, right.
“Life imitates art.”
In your dreams.
Let’s take the second part first.
Whether it’s a short story or novel, stageplay or film, the goal of those who devise the characters, plot and setting try — for the most part — to fashion a beginning, middle and end, where everything is neatly resolved. The villain of the piece (if there is one) gets his or her comeuppance, or the future for those involved appears to be well-ordered and sane.
Life isn’t like that. In the courtroom, for instance, the presentation by the prosecutor and the defense attorney rarely match that of a “Perry Mason” or “Matlock” episode. The process, nonetheless, is often theater on a grand scale, given how the facts are manipulated toward a given conclusion: the prosecutor seeks a guilty verdict; the defense a declaration of “not guilty” from the jury.
In living one’s faith, the challenges presented on a daily basis seldom resemble artistic endeavors. Those without shelter are shunned — sometimes in sight of a rendering of the “Homeless Jesus” sculpture.
Immigrants, an integral faction of many countries including our own, are suspected, harassed and mistreated. Tensions between religious sects or denominations lead to wars where the innocent die or are denied their basic rights to food and safety.
The reality in which we are living is definitely not a work of art, regardless of the medium. The evening news, or scrolling feeds on one’s cell phone, relate how human beings are being victimized by the powerful on so many levels.
Those who profess a belief in a merciful God and the message of Jesus to care for one’s neighbors cannot satisfy the pain in their soul by simply kneeling in prayer before a colorful mosaic of the Good Shepherd or a polished bronze crucifix.
Perhaps the focus should turn to another “old saying”: The Lord helps those who help themselves.
Or, better still: “The Lord helps those who help others.”
Yes, there are risks — especially now — to one’ s life and well-being, when putting this saying into action. There are far too many hired bullies roaming the streets at present who make stage and screen villains look like wimps, all too ready to assault or shoot innocent bystanders who look at them sideways or question their reason for violating the rule of law.
Yet, like the martyrs of centuries past — and, sadly, more recent years — standing up for our beliefs, standing with those who are being railroaded because of the color of their skin, the language they speak, where they live or the clothes they wear, should not merely be a vague dream discussed over coffee, but the ultimate reality.
When power is corrupted, respect for human dignity neglected, those of good faith must rise and speak the truth nurtured in their souls by the “old sayings,” especially that which reminds us: No greater love can a person have than to lay down their life for another.
Hopefully, there will come a point in the very near future when the need to put one’s life on the line for others — in the face of violence and injustice — will no longer be necessary. Until then, another “old saying” comes to mind: “Let faith be your guide.”
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