The way to love anything is to realize that it may be lost.
-G. K. Chesterton
In the OT today, Calli made the following astute comment,
We seem to be in a perfect storm of physical and spiritual (or, if you like, moral) degradation, without the will to tackle it in the simplest of ways. That is, starting in the home. Our telescopic philanthropy has us viewing far away causes while ignoring our toddler of a country teetering on the precipice.
How do we do this? By honouring our immediate obligations, firstly, to God. Secondly, to our spouse and children, our parents and siblings, and extended families. Thirdly, our obligations to our nearest neighbors, community, and so on; as the concentric circle enlarges, our obligations become less onerous because they become more diffuse and less direct.
If we want to preserve what remains of our civilization, and regenerate robust and flourishing communities, there is no alternative than beginning at the level of the household. And given the day, there is no better means of honouring our obligations than remembering our dearly departed. Light a candle. Visit their graves. Remember them in your prayers.
One of the most moving things I saw last year was a daughter on a picnic rug enjoying a sunny afternoon by what I guess was her parent/s? graveside on All Souls’ Day. Among all the ignoble things we have witnessed these last couple of years, that remains a ray of hope.
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