When the leaders of government turn on the vulnerable, depriving them of steady livelihoods and food, inflicting violence on them, and narrowing the path to medical care, seeing this is triggering for many people, bringing back terrible past experiences of loss and abuse anew.

Preying on the vulnerable is bad for everyone. On the one hand, those who are secure in their finances may feel pride that they are, for now, immune and will be OK. They may feel apathetic towards the overwhelming plight of the poor. These emotions inflict harm on their souls.  On the other hand, the vulnerable feel increasingly scared, anxcious, and hopeless.  And for the empathetic onlookers, they too are triggered.  How can a society function this way in a state of fear and turmoil?

It is imperative to do whatever we can to continue to recognize and uphold the inherent dignity of every human person. Those who have time could read Pope Francis’s encyclical (essay) called Fratelli Tutti, which means “Brothers and Sisters All.”  Whether at the top of society, on the bottom, in the middle, or in a swirl, we are all part of the same human family.  What we can do is this: Continue to speak out on behalf of treating each human being with dignity.  This is what God wishes. God does not wish people to be thrown into cold, dark detention cells with subhuman food, water, hygiene., bedding, and space. It is sad that we have to state this obvious fact.

For citizens who want to help, besides speaking out for decent treatment of human beings, any kind of merciful giving for their physical needs, no matter how small, some food, some medicine, some clothing, is a significant and meaningful action that expresses compassion and caring. Thus it has a double benefit for the recipient, that is, physical and emotional support, and  also a double benefit for the one who gives, that is, emotional and spiritual healing. We are all part of a wholistic, interconnected whole, and one part is not separate from the other.

Now look to the beautiful day outside, be healthy and be well. If you write more often, there will be less stored up and less pressure inside.  That is all. Amen.