In looking at this photograph and the story below, I believe that it is important for each and every one of us to go beyond what is pictured and symbolized here and to reflect upon our own values and the degree of authenticity with which we live by them. For me, this is a lifelong commitment of self-reflection which empowers me to live increasingly in alignment with my intention to own and transform my illusions and ignorance, to do no harm, to extend empathy and caring to all beings, and to be the peace our world hungers for. Bless us all ~ Molly
By
Today,
President Trump met Pope Francis for the first time, but the ocean of
separation has not stopped the two from exchanging sharp words during the preceding year. While
this was a time for building alliances on a formal world stage, the Pope still
found a classy way to stand up for his values.
He
gave Trump a gift.
Encyclicals
are formal letters circulated by Popes to dictate the highest priorities of the
church and set the tone for Catholic values and teaching. The Pope published
his 192-page encyclical two years ago, establishing in no
uncertain terms that combatting
climate change is a moral imperative that we cannot afford to ignore.
By
contrast, Trump has said “global warming was created by
and for the Chinese,” removed climate change from his EPA’s website, and is
traveling with Secretary of State Rex Tillerson,
former CEO of Exxon — one of the environment’s worst offenders.
The
gulf between the values of these men presented the Pope with a precarious
situation. How to both respect the dignity of an encounter with the
President of the United States and do right by his core values, which
this President actively opposes.
Pope
Francis found the perfect solution — subtle and respectful but unmistakable.
This
Pope is a prolific writer, and there can be no doubt that the gift is a
deliberate — and much needed — challenge to the President’s reckless
environmental stance. The Pontiff has made clear how he views the
environment and those who refuse to safeguard it.
“Our
common home is being pillaged, laid waste and harmed with impunity,” Pope Francis said two
years ago. “Cowardice in defending it is a grave
sin.”
Unlike
Trump, the Pope is not merely calling names. With today’s gift, the Pope
has issued a call to action for our president to abandon his cowardice and
begin the work of protecting that common home — the planet.
Bravo
to Pope Francis for showing courage where our president, so far, has failed.
Please go here for the original article: http://occupydemocrats.com/2017/05/24/pope-just-called-trumps-cowardice-perfect-gift/
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