August 8, 2025

Dear Friends,

The Interfaith Peace Project continues its ongoing observance of International Women’s Day (March 8) and the International Day of Peace (September 21) by sending out reflections on the eighth and twenty-first of every month. On March 8, Fr. Tom started a series on the Beloved Community. If you miss a part of the series, you can find it on our blog at interfaithpeaceproject.org. If you have anything that you would like to share, please contact:

Thomas P. Bonacci, C.P.
[email protected]
925-787-9279

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Adobe Stock 709827321 By MdKamrul

THE BELOVED COMMUNITY
Thomas P. Bonacci, C.P.

WOKE
The eyes of mind, heart, soul, and body wide open

Maya Angelou famously said, “People are afraid to be pried loose from their ignorance because they know their ignorance so well.”

One of the most beautiful and powerful concepts to enter into the sacred writings of the world is the idea and practice of “wokeness.” In recent times, wokeness is the pursuit of justice based on the conviction that all people are equal and deserve to be treated as such. We must never be ignorant of one another.  

Wokeness is the deep awareness of what is happening in the world, particularly for those who suffer racial, gender, or economic injustice. It is impossible to respond to the injustices that deny the full human dignity of others if knowledge of their plight is suppressed, denied, or ignored. Knowledge is power.

The biblical traditions call upon the powerful and the wealthy to be aware of the needs of others and respond accordingly.  In fact, everyone is called to care for one another in such a way that everyone has the opportunity to live in peace with their human dignity recognized, supported, and appreciated.   

We might think of this as idealism simply because we have become addicted to the consumer way of living. We might be tempted to believe that wealth, power, and status assure happiness and well-being. We might be astonished to discover that people who have no power or wealth might be happy and generous.

Compassion is born from wokeness. The difficulties and setbacks of life can cause us to be bitter or resentful. For one who is awake, the trials of life invite us to understand and empathize with others. Think of the wisdom implied in the Golden Rule – treat others as you would have them treat you.

The disciples asked the Buddha how the Buddha would like to be remembered. The blessed one responded, “As one who was awake!”

Wokeness is not only an awareness of the world around us. It is an awareness of the world within each person. Deep in our hearts there is written a universal principle of love for others. This interiority unfolds as life progresses. That is why what we teach, how we believe, and the way we live matter so much. The universal principle invites us to be aware of our interior light. As John Lewis powerfully said: “You are a light. You are the light. Never let anyone — any person or any force — dampen, dim or diminish your light… Hold only love, only peace in your heart, knowing that the battle of good to overcome evil is already won.”

Let us be aware of the power of love. Let all the love in your heart bless the world around you.

Blessings to you, holy community, for striving to bless the world and all the creatures large and small, and all the forces visible and invisible.