Fr. Shay Cullen | Overcoming hopeless situations

In modern history too we see seemingly hopeless situations of death and oppression cruelty and brutality come changed for the better by those who believed that there was light beyond the darkness of ignorance and unbelief. Slavery 200 years ago was an acceptable form of economic development. It was what oil is to us today an energy that drives economic growth and prosperity. But the suffering to the people was ignored as it is today as hundreds of thousands die in the bloody contest for oil dominance in Iraq and Sudan.

It is 200 years since the commitment and dedication of William Wilberforce and Thomas Clarkson passed a law to abolish slavery, all of it against the odds against public opinion and accepted practice impossible as it was they believed that from this evil, good would come, from slavery - freedom, from oppression - dignity and an end of exploitation and so it was.

It’s a signal that we today, need to trust, encourage, and inspire young people in their idealism. We need to be prophetic outspoken and active in defending and promoting human rights and the dignity of the human person. It teaches us that political action motivated by gospel values can have a global impact and benefit the lives of millions. This is what William Wilberforce achieved with the help of his supporters and friends. It only takes one to say no to injustice for millions to say yes to freedom.

What inspired and motivated William Wilberforce and what we need to practice and proclaim so urgently today is a love that is unselfish, compassionate, challenging and liberating. This is what can help the people in Darfur and Chad, Burma, Asia and Africa, Palestine and Iraq. It is a love that finds non-violent ways to solve conflicts. It replaces hatred and revenge with justice and truth, it supplants aggression and arrogance with dialogue and diplomacy, and it sows seeds for mutual recognition of the respect and dignity of all. It is compassion; it is working for justice and peace, protecting human rights and safeguarding women and children above all. (To be continued)

Contact Fr. Shay Cullen at the Preda Center, Upper Kalaklan, Olongapo City, Philippines.
e-mail: preda@info.com.ph