August 21, 2024

THE POLITICS OF JOY
Continuing to Observe
The International Day of Peace
by Thomas P. Bonacci, C.P.

Excuse me if I offend your partisan convictions. It is not my intent to comment on any particular issue that must be decided by the vote and will of the people. But something is happening in the United States, begging for recognition and comment.

Campaigning, political campaigning, is a challenging business. It often descends into mud-slinging and name-calling, driven by expediency and fueled by outright lies. But let’s remember, it doesn’t have to be this way. We can disagree without being disagreeable, and it’s crucial that we do so.

Issues are essential and worthy of forthright and honest debate. The gender, race, and orientation of a given person are never reasons to demean or dehumanize someone. 

The pursuit of truth based on facts is, indeed, hard work requiring study, attentiveness, and dedication. Hopefully, the candidates for political office will recognize their obligation to pursue what is right and just, even if is not politically expedient. There is more.

I believe something has happened in the body politic that is as surprising as it is welcomed. There is an emerging sense of joy born of humility and humor. I believe something more than the issues of the day is driving this joy. For the first time in a long time, the campaign and the candidates look like the Nation as the United States is becoming more and more diverse. For the first time, in a long time, young people sense hope, protesters sense respect for their causes, and many feel a sense of relief from the politics of name-calling and put down. What might all of this mean?

1)     Hope springs eternal even when everything seems hopeless.

2)     The “average” person is more exceptional than anyone may have judged. It is important to discover the treasure of another person’s heart rather than be offended by first impressions.

3)     The greatest political force in the world is the theological virtue of joy. For many, joy is the sign of the Spirit at work in the world. Joy might be the mother of hope.

4)     When young people hope again, the elders must mentor them with gentle wisdom, fierce humor, and deep gratitude.

If, for some reason, you are not joyful, let yourself rejoice with those who rejoice. The issues of the day are never far away. But maybe, just maybe, rejoicing in one another may help us face the problems together as friends and concerned citizens rather than foes and enemies.

There are those who give joy,
and that joy is their reward.
Khalil Gibran