I've heard a lot of talk of power lately. Never being one to obey authority blindly, I always have to wonder what people really are talking about when the talk about the power of this or that, or so-and-so's authority, or following this rule or that law. Rules and laws are fine as far as they go but I think sometimes the people in "power" use them to their own ends. However seemingly benign. However blatant. To the detriment of life and love.
I read recently - just this morning in a commentary on the Rule of Benedict - that "Law is simply a candle on the path of life to lead us to the good we seek." That's Joan Chittister, by the way. That's a nice summary of the role of law. I've always liked the similar definition of "rule" that flows from its Latin roots: railing or guideline. Nothing hard and fast. Something that guides but doesn't suppress. Something bendable to the times and conditions and people that the rules are meant to serve.
Authority and power? Those derive from the people. No one can take on the mantle of authority themselves. Authority, I believe, is something conferred upon a person by others. Only then does that person become a guide, a mentor, a leader. I think George Bush tried to be an authority onto himself. But in the end not many people were willing to grant him that privilege and honor.
Abused authority and law and power are the reasons I saw over one hundred people come through the doors where I work yesterday looking for a meal to prepare at Christmastime. Looking for a few nice gifts for their children. And I'll see over a hundred more today. And I'll see that many people again on Monday before we close shop. Before 8 PM.
People - most of us really - without authority but with plenty of law and rule to fall back on have seen to it that we have more and need less. Have seen to it that others have less and need more. Blatantly maybe. Benignly more likely. But shamefully, mindlessly and heartlessly nonetheless.
Ebenezer Scrooge wasn't really a bad person after all. He followed society's rules. Made some rules himself. Likely thought he was a power all by himself. Was "comfortable" with his status in life. Until the ghosts of his past discomforted him. And in the end he broke all of the rules to become human again.
May we be so blessed with ghosts to disturb us this Christmas!
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About Me
- Mark Gorman
- I was born in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, along the banks of the Susquehanna River, in the valley made up by Bald Eagle Mountain to the south, and gentle hills and valleys to the north. That place that sheltered me, gave me food and friends, and both physical and spiritual nourishment for 18 years. That is the space where I was physically and emotionally formed. Ever since growing up there . . . because of growing up there . . . I have been inexorably linked to nature . . . to the earth and to all life.