Commitment to humanity
The recent federal election period and subsequent beginning of a new parliament has highlighted some interesting dynamics.
The rise of Canadian patriotism and the move to buying local are positive effects of the impacts of the current context. This can strengthen our local economies.
But the uncertainties of the North American political setting have also created some negative impacts.
The threat of tariffs and how that will impact the broader Canadian economy has understandably raised concerns for many people. People worry about how these threats will affect personal costs and wonder what the impact will be on personal finances.
These are natural concerns. They are reasonable anxieties. Care for personal wellbeing and that of families and loved ones is a good cause.
However, as people of faith, we are also called to rise above matters of individual impact. The value of loving neighbour as one loves self, brings a focus that transcends personal focus and moves to a communal concern. If a neighbour is negatively impacted, it should generate a shared concern.
Yet such a focus on the common good is not typical. Society trains us to think about ourselves. It conditions us to be self-focused.
The recent federal election highlighted this tendency. Broader societal concerns, like addressing the climate crisis, or strengthening Canada’s impulse to welcome refugees were replaced with a focus on a strong economy and protection of our borders. Such concerns are not improper. But if they substitute concerns for broader societal responsibilities, it will result in a weaker society.
An overstated focus on protection can result in making people feel less safe. An exaggerated self focus will result in people feeling more isolated and alone. If we only see ourselves, we lose sight of the broader supports of our communities.
As people of faith, we know that to care for others is to care for ourselves. To focus on communal wellbeing is to experience personal wellbeing. Our understanding is to love our neighbours as we love ourselves. Or to love ourselves is to care for our neighbours. Our personal fulfillment is linked to our communal wellbeing.
As people of faith, it is important to model an alternative to the panic of inflated self-focused concerns. Such a focus will not sustain healthy individuals or communities. Only as we care for one another will we also experience the care of others.
Caring for others is not only the right thing to do, but it is also the smart thing to do.