Sunday, August 3, 2014
Fr. Joseph Eddy, O. de M.
Today television shows about nature are as popular as ever. Yet, over the years the structure of these programs has changed. I can remember being really young and watching Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom. This popular series about wildlife aired from 1963-1988. Its emphasis was on observing animals in their natural habitat. Today the increased popularity of reality TV shows has shifted the configuration of such programs to focusing on one or more persons co-existing within nature. We see these people interacting with the wildlife and experiencing the dangers or threats that exist there.
This new video, produced by the Order of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mercy, is the
first video of its kind made in English, telling the remarkable story of St. Raymond Nonnatus.
I have seen several programs on the Natural Geographic channel set in Alaska which is widely considered America’s last frontier. These shows document the daily trials of an individual or family trying to live as minorities in an unforgiving climate. Threats exist all around them. The harsh climate stretches people psychologically with limited hours of light. Storms and extreme cold can drastically affect the food supply from year to year. They must navigate around vicious animals such as polar bears.
As we can see from each program, the experience of living in America’s last frontier puts a person in constant contact with their own mortality and the limits of the human condition. Basically, the person is stripped of all their securities, false and otherwise. They are left to live hour by hour working for survival.
We in the developed world think that we are quite secure. Secure is defined as, “free from or not exposed to danger or harm.” Most of us wake up each day more concerned with what we are going to eat, than if we are going to eat. We spend our days thinking more about what activities we will do on the weekend, than about if we will be able to get out of our house in a few days. However, essentially the perceived gap between ourselves and others in harsh climates or situations is not so great. We realize this only when tragedy strikes. The
Boston Bombing or a mass shooting close to home lifts the veil to enable us to realize, even just for a day, that we are vulnerable.
Sheep without a shepherd
When Jesus looks at us, He sees “sheep without a shepherd.” We foolishly think that we are in control. The reality is that it is God who holds all things in being. None of our technology, wisdom, money, or material possessions could protect us if God said, “it is time!” He alone is in total and absolute control. Throughout our lives, the Lord has continuously provided for us and protected us through His Divine Providence. Only the wisest among us realize this and act accordingly. They pray before each task is begun or completed. They give thanks before each meal. These wise individuals sincerely say the words of the Lord’s Prayer, “give us this day our daily bread” and “deliver us from all evil.”
The truth is that every day is man/women against the wild. Real man-made security is a myth. We are held in being by God alone. In love, the Lord gives us each day to seek not pleasure or security, but that which is True, Beautiful, and Good. Time is limited! Blessed are those who know this and live each day as if it were their last. Seeking to do our part to bring the Kingdom of God to fulfillment and leaving our security to the One who alone can give it.