We have seen what a dreary world it can be when nations take up arms against each other, and restoring order is costly, slow and painful.
Now, through our State Department and other goodwill nations, we have extended a hand to nations (Iran) anxious over Israel’s restless nationalist ambitions. Iran, known for Islamist hard-line control, is likely to gradually change. The younger generation may wait a long time for the more democratic vision. But the new will come.
I am encouraged by Pope Francis’ vision for a healthier climate among nations. With his visits, here and there, among our former enemies (Russia and the Slavic people), I sense that the thaw of frozen relations bodes well for our planet and nature’s springtime.
The time is now for us to work for justice for Earth and all its inhabitants. The Earth is not ours to fight over. It is our home together. Providence waits for us to make it a better home for future generations, just as previous generations did well for us. May the source of all goodness and mercy grant it and make it so.
