A recent publication of Time magazine is titled “The Great Restart.”
Time believes the COVID-19 pandemic has provided an opportunity to consider how we can make the world a better place.
This edition of the magazine is the result of a partnership with the World Economic Forum. Experts from around the world have been asked to share their thoughts regarding how we can transform the way we live and work.
I wish to share the thoughts of someone who was not consulted for this issue. He writes from the perspective of a shepherd rather than an expert. What he says is the fruit of spiritual discernment.
Pope Francis has recently issued a new encyclical titled “Fratelli Tutti.” It is a document dedicated to “fraternity and social friendship.”
The inspiration for this document was St. Francis of Assisi who always demonstrated fraternal love, simplicity and joy. The Pope states, “Francis felt himself a brother to the sun, the sea, and the wind, yet he knew that he was even closer to those of his own flesh. Wherever he went, he sowed seeds of peace and walked alongside the poor, the abandoned, the infirm and outcasts, the least of his brothers and sisters.” (Section 2)
Pope Francis acknowledges that due to many factors, including COVID-19, we are experiencing a closed world with storm clouds on the horizon. He hopes his words will help to inspire all people of good will, regardless of religious convictions, to “dream as a single family, as fellow travellers sharing the same flesh, as children of the same earth which is our common home, each of us bringing the richness of his or her beliefs and convictions, each of us with his or her own voice brothers and sisters all.” (8)
In the first chapter, Pope Francis describes many of the problems in the world that hinder fraternity. He cites ongoing conflicts and wars, cultural colonization, political extremism, a ‘throwaway’ mentality, economic disparity, globalization, lack of human rights and relativism as some of the serious issues we face. These problems and others contribute to the breakdown of community life and promote greater isolation.
In the second chapter the parable of the Good Samaritan is proposed as a model of solidarity that is needed in our world today. Pope Francis states, “The parable clearly does not indulge in abstract moralizing, nor is its message merely social and ethical. It speaks to us of an essential and often forgotten aspect of our common humanity: we were created for a fulfillment that can only be found in love. We cannot be indifferent to suffering; we cannot allow anyone to go through life as an outcast.” (68)
The other chapters of this document deal with economics, immigration, politics, friendship, encounter, and religion. In all of these areas Pope Francis stresses the need for greater dialogue with a focus on the dignity of each person.
As Christians we are called to be ‘Salt and light’ (Matthew 5:13). This means we need to make a difference by witnessing to the Gospel. We need to be more like Christ and the Good Samaritan if we want to transform this world and make it a better place.
An underlying theme throughout “Fratelli Tutti” is that true human fraternity is impossible without a relationship with God.
“As believers, we are convinced that, without an openness to the Father of all, there will be no solid and stable reasons for an appeal to fraternity.” (272)
This is a very important truth that would not be found in “The Great Restart.”