time is now!

We live in a world that facing tough times: the threat of nuclear insanity from Iran, escalating war in Afghanistan, economic crisis that has decimated growth and left millions faced by milliard problems. This has made the poor become poorer and the politics of the day seem not to care. Only a few leaders are committed to upset the apple cart and set things straight but the majority is contented by the status quo. These are some of the marks of the times we live in.

The Pope has been on the fore front calling the international community to action in order to curb what he calls the scandals of our time- hunger, pollution, and greed. His voice has been heard far and wide especially in the new encyclical Caritas in Veritate released last July, in which he addresses the injustices facing mankind. He mentions that some of the problems are man-made, especially when man tries to kick God out of public sphere or even when he tries to build economies without ethics.

As usual, his voice is like one who cries in the desert where no one hears. Many have shut down their ears not to hear and have hardened their hearts not to understand in order to continue playing politics. However times is now when we realize that nothing gets done until our hands have been soiled. It therefore implies taking responsibility and doing what is right, just and true. This obligates each man to do his duties accordingly as a responsibility versus others and allowing God to God. the Pope has led the way in setting things straight: he has turned Vatican a green city by installing solar panels to tap energy from the sun, been on the front line is defending the place of God in man’s life; he has relentlessly led campaigns against destruction of life in all it forms; and recently he has led a campaign to set free Africa from ‘new slavery’, and the list is endless. However, we cannot afford to sit down wringing our hands in mock honor at what the Pope has done. We must feel and accept being challenged by the Pope’s example and do our part as some adage in most hotel goes, ‘don’t just sit here do something’!