what we must do: faith, action, and humanity
Introduction: a moment of reflection
This piece, originally posted on February 17, 2014, reflects on the power of simple acts of compassion and the importance of direct engagement with suffering. It’s inspired by an image of Pope Francis comforting a sick and disfigured man, highlighting the potential for good within humanity. The author, Margaret Jean Langstaff, a seasoned literary professional and editor, explores themes of faith, charity, and the responsibility we all share to alleviate suffering.
About margaret jean langstaff
Margaret Jean Langstaff is a lifelong reader and writer with extensive experience in the literary world. She’s a novelist, short story writer, essayist, book critic, and professional book editor. Her expertise extends to consulting with publishers and authors, providing manuscript critiques and editorial services. She’s also a passionate advocate for readers and writers, a collector of signed first editions, and a dedicated animal lover and environmentalist. You can follow her on Twitter @LangstaffEditor.
The core themes: faith, compassion, and action
The central themes revolve around the interplay of faith and action. The author emphasizes that faith without works is dead, drawing on biblical teachings. The discussion extends to the importance of compassion and actively engaging with the suffering of others, rather than relying solely on impersonal organizations or distant gestures. The piece is tagged with keywords like Catholic, charity, compassion, faith, and Pope Francis, reflecting its spiritual and ethical focus.
Ashiakira's commentary: corruption and the search for truth
AshiAkira's comment introduces a darker perspective, highlighting the potential for corruption within government and law enforcement. He describes a scenario of psychological manipulation and false accusations, questioning the integrity of those in power. He posits that true happiness lies in reaching a “tiny spot of bright light” within society, a truth independent of beliefs, and suggests it may be easier for those who have endured great hardship to find it. The comment underscores the complexity of societal issues and the need for vigilance.
The power of literature and human connection
Both the author and AshiAkira emphasize the role of literature in illuminating truth and fostering human connection. Margaret Jean Langstaff believes literature has a “divine transcendent power” to lift us out of ourselves and empower us to extend our hands and hearts to others. AshiAkira suggests that poetry and literature can guide us toward that light, highlighting their importance as a means of understanding and addressing the challenges we face.
Embracing direct action and personal responsibility
The author concludes by urging readers to embrace direct action and personal responsibility in alleviating suffering. She criticizes the tendency to rely on impersonal organizations or simply donating money, arguing that each of us can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those around us. The call to action is clear: to actively engage with alarming or difficult situations and to reject complacency in the face of human suffering. It’s a powerful reminder of our shared humanity and the importance of acting with compassion and courage.