This week has been yet another rife with unrest, which I certainly don’t need to review tonight. But, I will ask, as I often do, for you to step away from the drama in Washington or the horror splattered across your screens or whatever is churning you away from finding some peace. As I write this, I am aware of my privilege to walk away. I can look out my window and easily find solace in a blue forgiving sky. Perhaps, you too can take a break for a moment. Time it if you must. But long enough to breathe.

If you are a Catholic, then perhaps, during this Holy Week you have read Pope Leo XIV’s directive. “Leading up to Easter, the Pope’s Lenten message encouraged listening to the cries of the suffering, using “disarmed” language, and building a “civilization of love” (Winnipeg Free Press). I found the term ‘disarmed language’ interesting; I read further and discovered he means to “replace hateful, harsh language with words of hope, kindness and respect.” A tall, tall, yes, an increasingly tall ask indeed, and even though I am no longer a practicing Catholic, I appreciate his wise words, meant to heal and unite. Of course, once you step outside with a little person by your side, such a lofty directive comes easier.

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