Pessimism
theophilus September 21st, 2008
There seems to be a great deal to be pessimistic about these days – an uncertain economy, a generation-defining election; historic turmoil in the financial markets; and Revelations-like global insecurity. There is much for us to be worried about, especially considering that most of our anxiety is caused by events over which we have very little control.
So, I guess I tend to succumb to this pessimism from time to time. I believe there is right and wrong; good and not-so-good. I believe we are a nation blessed by God and, like the ancient kingdoms of Israel and Judah, we tend to take this blessing for granted. I see the hand of God in our heritage and the many successes that symbolize the American Dream; but I believe that God will withhold his hand from us if we reject or ignore him.
I wonder at times whether we are in danger of squandering our divine legacy. God has blessed America; He is in whom we trust;we are one nation under Him. But mere words will not do in this day and age. We must believe, truly believe, that we are to be the “shining city on the hill” as spoken by President Reagan.
Secularism will not do; moral relativism will not fly.
Which leads me to the optimism that I recover whenever I really think about God’s will for each of us. Today, I was reminded by Francis Fernandez in his reflection on today’s readings from In Conversation with God. As laborers in Christ’s vineyard, we are called to be optimistic in nature; laboring for the betterment of our fellow man; believing in the sanctity of our work in building Christ’s kingdom. We do not have time to be pessimistic; it is wasted energy. We are called to see the best in our fellow man; and to work according to the best we have to offer.
If each of us accomplished each and every day what God expected of each of us, our anxieties would disappear because God’s will would be done and his kingdom come. Optimism would replace pessimism; certainty would replace anxiety; inner peace would replace turmoil.
After reading today’s news, is it hard to be excited about our future? Absolutely. But, when we consider that we are laborers in the Lord’s vineyard and that this vineyard never, and I mean NEVER, produces a bad vintage, unless we do not do the requisite work to produce a good vintage, then our future is bright and divinely intended. Christ wants the best for us; it is up to us to help him out by wanting the best for ourselves.
Without a deep conversion of the who world, I see very little hope for today’s society and I have written such on my blog (peregrinus.stblogs.com). There are already signs other than the economy and financial markets that the weight of the perversions of secularism and relativism is starting to cause society to implode.