Hearts open to humanity

So far, 2011 has seen events of widespread significance unfold in short sequence: the revolt in Tunisia that spread to many North African countries and the Arab world, the deadly earthquake-tsunami-nuclear accident in Japan, devastating tornadoes, floods and earthquakes in Australia, New Zealand and in the U.S.

History seems to be accelerating, something unthinkable when communication was slower and scarcer, when sharing tragedies on a global level was much less frequent. A great transformation of society, economy and politics is happening before our very eyes.

I am convinced more than ever that we cannot give in to the temptation to hole up in some safe little corners and ignore those yearning for greater freedom in countries ruled by dictatorships for decades or anyone suffering from violence and the after-effects of natural disasters.

These first months of 2011 show us that human beings are capable of the best and the worst: they can start a war, but they can also demonstrate true heroism by dedicating themselves to those in need. Some are able to silence religious freedom, while others manage to invoke freedom of conscience and action, as we have seen in Tahrir Square and other streets of Arab capitals.

Young people have great ideals in their hearts, and I believe we should focus on them, support the and help them develop an understanding of politics and constructive political participation. They need to experience peaceful coexistence without falling into the hands of those who deny freedom or those who promote conflict at any cost. With these young forces, universal brotherhood can take a decisive step forward in the world.

What else can we do personally?

“Those who care for people close to them and serve them in their smallest need can easily understand the vast problems afflicting humanity,” Chiara Lubich once wrote. “The balance of Christian love consists in loving those who are near us, while working for the whole community of the Church and of humanity. Keep your heart open to all humankind, and teach those around you to do so. May Jesus, preaching the unity of the human family, not have passed by in vain.”

These words encourage and guide us.