Accountability and spirituality for our religious expression

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/rev-james-martin-sj/the-patron-saint-... .


I know the link that I have posted might seem specifically Christian and very Catholic. But, think again. How many of us have experienced - or, had related to us by other persons - moments where religious leaders or agencies acted in ways to protect the culpability of some of its individuals. In this case it seems Mary MacKillop acted on behalf of victims of abuse and was turned into a victim herself.

We can draw various points from this but I wish to briefly mention two.
1) Cases such as this remind us that whilst as religious people we seek to do good there are times that we get it wrong both as individuals and on a communal level. Sometimes we have reasoned that it is easier to cover our tracks and not face the level of accountability that we ought. We are still learning lessons about this.
2) As human beings, indeed, as spiritual human beings, we find the example of lives well lived to be compelling and inspirational. Figures such as Francis of Assisi, Gandhi, The Dalai Lamas and many, many others inspire us by their lives. That Mary MacKillop saw her faith as a means to advocate for victims of abuse is valid for all religious people and possibly for the general common good.

This invites us to consider how we are accountable for how we live our religious convictions both as individuals and in communal ways.

It also invites us to give thanks for and, continue to be inspired by, those great spiritual leaders who have lived our values in the daily experience of their lives.

Whether we are bonded in our Buddhism, joyous in our Judaism, heartfelt in our Hinduism, inspired in our Islam, cosy in our Christianity - in whichever community we call our spiritual home - being accountable for our good and our not so good, and being led by great leaders enhances our lives.

Peace to all.