Hello Dear Ones,
So, Jack says to Jill: "Have you heard about Ignorance and Apathy?"
To which Jill replies: "I don't know and I don't care."
Wow. Talk about case in point.
If you ask one of your friends or family members to tell you what the opposite of Love is, they will most likely reply, Hate.
And they would be wrong.
The reason is that hate requires an emotional investment, implying that you at least care somewhat to use up some energy on the situation.
Apathy on the other hand means that you do not care in the least.
Jack: "Hey Jill your hair is on fire!"
Jill: "Whatever."
Silly, but you get the point.
I am compelled to write this piece because I have been observing a rising tide of both ignorance and apathy in the encounters of my daily life.
Perhaps you have felt the same thing in your own lives.
A type of malaise, general disinterest, or lack of commitment, or like a camp fire down to it's last embers. And don't forget the excuses...always the excuses.
As far as ignorance goes, a general lack of desire to read, research, learn, or to come to know the truth.
A willingness to accept things at face value, too lazy to scratch below the surface, or to take a position like: "My mind is already made up. Don't confuse me with the facts."
Remember the ostrich with it's head in the sand?
Why all the inertia and spiritual entropy? Where is our passion? Have we really stopped caring?
This attitude problem is becoming more manifest to myself and many others on a daily basis, and it is palpable.
For example, the woman who coordinates volunteers to take time slots for Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament at the 24 hour chapel at our church was practically in tears this past weekend making a plea from the pulpit.
It seems that this once vibrant and thriving ministry has lost so many volunteers that it is on the verge of collapse. Chapels like this are a vanishing breed here in NH.
You should have heard the laundry list of excuses as to why folks are no longer showing up.
From my own experience as local coordinator of Pro-Life prayer volunteers to witness outside of Planned Parenthood (an abortion clinic) here in Manchester.
Same story. Decreasing numbers of dedicated souls. Same excuses. Little passion.
And from the American workplace, a growing lack of satisfaction amongst those fortunate enough to even have jobs.
The result?
Apathy turns to passive aggressive behavior, leading to the worker do his job just proficiently enough to not get fired.
Make no mistake Ladies and Gents, this is a disease of decay.
The only cure is constant prayer.
Pray to know God's will for you. Pray to be open when it is revealed. Pray to have the courage to act.
God Bless you. Be well.
Marty
