Encourage One Another

It is hard not to be disheartened when the leadership of society/government seems to be utterly bankrupt.  We see so many of our sisters and brothers harmed by the selfish and sinful actions of those in power.  We naturally feel the pain, either directly by those actions or in solidarity and empathy.  We do believe that every person is within the Body of Christ.  (- starting to use catholic terminology now, because that is my perspective. You can substitute the word "humanity" for the Body of Christ or the word "universe" for Creation and Kingdom of God, if that works better.)  The next issue is that we cannot stay still and wallow in the situation.  The next step is action and a desire to address the injustices and help lead our society to one that is more just.  Saint Edith Stein, who was killed at Auschwitz by a previous evil government, said, "Those who remain silent are responsible."  This statement is a call to action, a call to resistance, if we are to be true followers of Christ.

Reading today in Hebrews, another Saint, Paul, said, "We must consider how to rouse one another to love and good works.  We should not stay away from our assembly, as in the custom of some, but encourage one another...".  The persecution of the early church in following Jesus' teaching of love and good works, or the horrors of the Nazi machine, were denied when they were happening, but it did come to light for everyone with time.  While it was happening, there were voices like St. Paul and St. Edith Stein pointing out the signs and offering encouragement.  Both were martyred by the unjust governments at that time, but their light shines on, while the evil governments have been shown to be what they are.

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