Zero Tolerance of FGM!

Many of you know the phrase: “Think globally, act locally!” Its origin comes from Scotland in the early 1900’s. Regardless of its origin, I have always heard that phrase as a challenge to be aware of the connection between local decisions and global realities. “Relatedness,” “Connection,” “Mutuality,” and other terms that indicate human and environmental connections are those which come to my mind.

To me, that phrase seems Gospel-rooted. The way by which Jesus ministered and related with others was magnanimous and inclusive. He had followers who were rich and poor, well-educated and simple, men and women, the healthy and the crippled, etc. When he challenges the religious authorities about their strict adherence to the religious laws of the time, for example healing on the Sabbath, he is challenging them to widen their vision. Jesus demonstrates the mercy of God, and that mercy cannot be limited by a day of the week, nor to one part of the world. Jesus desires the greatest good, even at the sacrifice of a traditional sense of order. His apostles took that message to the ends of the earth/globe!

I view the phrase “think globally, act locally” as an encouragement to see global and local concerns. For instance, at the beginning of each month I search for a list of the days of commemoration for the next month. There are international, national and state days of commemoration. One of February’s special days is the “International Day of Human Fraternity.” February 4, 2021 will be the first year for such a day and is the result of initiatives taken by Catholic and Muslim leaders. The day calls for new and improved dialogue on interreligious and intercultural issues. An important meeting occurred between Pope Francis and the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Ahmad al-Tayyib, on 4 February 2019 in Abu Dhabi, hence the date. In the United States, after a year of significant racial and cultural upheaval, such dialogue will be welcome. Even intra-religious dialogue is needed among Christians for greater unity around the message of Jesus and its importance for our times.

We are invited to additional awareness on February 6 which is “Zero Tolerance of Female Genital Mutilation.” This abuse falls on the continuum of the mistreatment of women. Such practices continue to occur in 30 nations around the world. It is painful, physically dangerous, and ultimately disrespectful and unnecessary.

While we may cringe at the nature of the above-mentioned practice/abuse, we have much work to do to end the various abuses of women and vulnerable persons in our local community. “Think globally,” – know what is happening in the world – “Act locally,” – do what is possible to raise consciousness and change behavior right here at home.

Peace, Fr. Andy