2025 provides us with many memories of the past while also looking forward to a new year with a certain amount of worry and concern for the world. There seems to be a strong movement in several countries away from caring for the basic needs of the most vulnerable and reverting to a more self-centered view that emphasizes power and money over basic human dignity.
When I hear about the need to close borders, limit immigration, install tariffs, reduce environmental standards and continue with actions that simply expand the widening gulf between the have and have nots, I see an erosion of the values that every Vincentian lives by and one we must continue to support.
It was not too many years that the first Black president was elected in the USA. This election seemed to be the beginning of a new era of acceptance and collaboration between people of all racial backgrounds and cultures. I am not sure what has caused this time of hope to slowly disappear. I do know we have an obligation to advocate for systemic changes that improve the lives of every human being. I am not sure how a once great country can be great again with the dramatic changes we are going to experience.
The opportunity does still exist for a more positive and caring approach to the many issues we face here in North America and across the world. There are better and more humane ways to deal with our issues of poverty, food insecurity, homelessness, and racism.
Let us never give up what we do, despite future challenges. A climate of understanding, forgiveness, acceptance, and advocacy can make our world a better place for every human being. Rather than a focus on being great, why can’t nations become one of compassion, understanding and love for those most in need. This is what defines greatness, not greed and envy.
As a Canadian, I look to the USA as a beacon of light, not a tunnel of darkness. The most powerful nation in the world attained this position because they were kind, welcoming and open to many different cultures, faiths and ambitions. To close itself to what made it great is a moral and ethical sin.
Finally, February is Black history month. It is a very good time to also keep in mind the need for actions that enforce Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. Perhaps equity is the most important word in this term as it is about providing every person with an equal opportunity to achieve all that they may desire in education, employment and society.
About the author:
Jim Paddon lives in London, Ontario, Canada and serves as the Chair of the Ontario Regional Council’s Social Justice committee. He is married to his dear wife Pat and they have six daughters and eleven grandchildren. Jim has been a member of the Society since the 1970’s.
I respectfully acknowledge the traditional, unceded territories of the Indigenous Peoples, including First Nations, Metis and Inuit, on which lands we meet, work and live.
As an American, Catholic, Vincentian, I see this need to pray without ceasing for the “leaders” of our country, asking for a change of heart in their treatment of those with no voice. Their oppressive power, in my small part of this world, isn’t welcomed or approved. We all must speak to this without fear of reprisal. And, more importantly , our leaders at every level of government must also speak without fear. The voice of our leaders, who do have the power to change this rhetoric, is critical for those we serve. May Our Lord grant them this strength.