Last post I wrote about Gerry Ryan's work in Vietnam. I meant it as a reminder to the rest of us that there's only one thing necessary for the triumph of evil - and that's when good people do nothing.
Last weekend, Cameron Reilly, founder/owner of the Pod cast Network, gathered half a dozen people at my place. They call themselves 'Geeks Who Care'. I sat in, with respect. I'm becoming more and more concerned with my behaviour at such gatherings. I really mean to be quiet, maybe helpful when asked.
But, I can't help myself. Maybe it's age. Maybe it's hardening of the arteries. But, there were six lovely, concerned people, used to meeting on the www, now face to face with each other and with grumpy old me. At least, I had the self-control not to use the line with the six that I had hissed out the side of my mouth to a 'Yes' person earlier that day 'Geeks Who Care', eh? What about 'Geeks Who Do!' How cynical, how unappreciative, how unhelpful!
The passion to get things done is a blessing and curse all at once. They say 'can-do-ism' is an American trait. I think it's an Aussie value, too, like knowing about Don Bradman. Maybe it's no-ones national characteristic but a universal trait. I'd better learn as quickly as possibly to celebrate people whenever and wherever they make the effort to plan acts of kindness.
Another of our contacts, Chris of Drug Arm, W.A., put it so simply just the other day. He was describing basic but brave tasks done by his team including 'holding a bucket for an alcohol affected teenager to vomit into'. Chris' fellow worker was demonstrating to that vulnerable teenager that care and concern were at hand. Bleeding heartism? Can it be learned? Can it be taught or only caught?
Whatever, just like Cameron and Chris, please consider gathering a few people together to discuss doing something for someone else.
Which reminds me of my visit last weekend - Australia Day weekend - to Ballan, between Melbourne and Ballarat. Loved it. Helped Mayor hand out awards to locals who'd done good for others.
Caught up with local priest/mate Mick O'Toole who showed me the glass annex he'd put on the front of his 90-year-old Church. Why? To provide hospitable space (toilets, kitchen, armchairs, heating/cooling so Catholics could practise their religion, i.e. putting themselves at service of locals by providing visitor friendly environment, not only for funerals and weddings, but for neighbourhood meetings.
After that I went to a Docklands outdoor Triple J's hottest 100 show. Just for half an hour. Because I'm on Triple J with John Safran, Sundays 9- 11 pm, management wanted me there. Very noisy. Intimidating? The 'congregation' was 20-something's, jumping up and down, singing along, amiable. Contrary to my expectations, it was a humbling experience.
This coming Wednesday is Ash Wednesday for Catholics. I'd like to offer a 'caste' mark of ash to anyone, not just Catholics, who want to try 40 days of self discipline, through random acts of kindness, ending on Easter weekend (not the kindness, just the pressure to perform). Ash is symbolic of a person reduced, like Wayne and Heath, to basic ingredients. Ash on the forehead is a salutary reminder the best is yet to come.
Prayers requested. Just a reminder that there are a few of our parishioners undergoing long-term medical treatment. Please remember them in your prayers and Masses as they go about enduring their treatment as well as trying to live a normal life.
Caritas - Project Compassion:
Please take home a Project Compassion Box and give generously to the appeal this Lent. Your donations will allow Caritas Australia to reduce poverty and hunger in more than 30 countries around the World.