These are times for consideration of the "greater good".  During this time people pass closely without masks, bicyclists wiz by closely (a foot or two) on trails and then several people on a narrow path wanted to pass closely to an older person with a cane.  Talking to some folks they actually think guidelines are a "hoax" or that they themselves are invincible, as if we also are or that they have a "right" even though it can kill others.  Maybe on a blog or sermon some of the following ideas or guidelines could be introduced.

There is a story wherein Plato writes about a charioteer with two horses. One horse is the horse of reason and the other is ruled by opinion, emotions and hearsay.  It is the job of this guide to keep both horses in harmony, truly a sign for leaders of our times.

In John's Gospel we hear of light and dark and of people who have ears but do not hear and eyes but do not see.  Yet we, the followers of Christ,  are to be the guiding children of light in a time of great darkness (or blindness).

Freud  talks about putting the ego where many people have their id!  Another example of the dualistic lives we struggle with.

Today our environment is often I'm OK but you're NOT and we look to leaders as "controlling parents" rather than guides with a very difficult job.  And we, in our dualism, play the demanding child (which plays into the fall of pride).

During these times I am realizing how self-centered we are and that Jesus was the Ultimate of Patience, even at the cross when He said "Hey, they just don't get it, Father"!   We are a people who believe what we want to believe and those who are wise are not necessarily healed and perfect, but fighting the Duel or Dualism.

As WOW has been discussing lately, there is dualism in so much:  pride=humility,   and 6 other graces and key sins.  I know we are humans and we tend to walk on two legs...first one, then the other, but we are the charioteers of our own lives and this takes openness and discipline!

ps: this comes from meditation this morning and reading Dan's "Holy Mud" (pg53ff).  He is right.

Bob Gannon is a 10am Mass parishioner who often sits in the balcony with his wife, Roberta. Most recently he was a science high school teacher until his Catholic high school closed to later become Cristo Rey de la Salle. He currently stays busy with many things like being on the Parish Council, spearheading our Fall 2019 Parish Picnic, promoting emergency temporary housing in Berkeley, etc.

Catholicism WOW! is a Newman group that explores the beauty and wisdom of the Catholic faith. They are currently meeting online on Wednesdays at 7pm. To join or find out more, contact Ned.

“Holy Mud” by Dan Cawthon is available for purchase at the front desk of Newman. Dan was a theologian and drama professor at St. Mary’s College. He was also our RCIA Director. He passed away a few years ago from cancer.