Wednesday 6 January and the ensuing days will go down in the annuls of history. Wednesday 6 January was an overwhelming day. It was a shameful day. And perhaps, most of all it was a sad day.
I could not write this week’s blog without mentioning it. The Lindisfarne community embraces secular monasticism — clinging to the rhythm of spiritual practices while living and engaging in contemporary society. The events of this week cannot be ignored,
The gospel lectionary reading today ends with the simile of the spirit descending like a dove (Mark: 1:10). The physical image of a dove has, in tradition, long since been associated with peace. A strange coincidence or, perhaps, a sobering reminder as this falls at the end of a week where an unprecedented violent attack on government was perpetrated.
I do not want to reiterate the actual happenings of the day which +Andy and I, along with millions of others, watched unfolding. I’m sure everyone has seen multiple images as they continue to dominate the news cycle — as do conversations about the consequences of the actions of those involved.
One comment I will make though, is, as I have watched and listened to the careers and lifestyles of those who have been identified as involved, I was quite shocked. It has caused me much pondering on how an ideology can be followed so that it becomes all-consuming, even to the extent where criminal actions can be committed without any thought of the harm caused to others.
As I continue to muse on the events of the week, my mind has been whirling!
Words do not really do justice to my thoughts — desecrating a seat of government, causing harm, injury and death to others, insurrection, sedition, domestic terrorism. These are hurts that cling to the soul deeper than can be given voice.
And alongside all those hurts white supremacy and sexism have once again been highlighted. I have pondered much about this. Four years ago, I realised that permission had been granted for a voice to be given to sexism and racism. To give it voice, it must have already been there, hidden under the surface. Okay, maybe not so hidden in many cases but certainly not voiced in the public arena.
I wondered about this. It feels like it is in the social DNA passed from generation to generation. I do not say that lightly. I have seen it, felt it. Often, if challenged the response would be” I’m not racist” or “I’m not sexist” even accompanied by horror that I may have thought that about someone. Yet, it is there, underlying, in the social DNA being passed to the next generation. Much consideration needs to be given to how that cycle is broken.
Every time it feels like a step is taken towards ridding the country of this scourge something happens that reveals the depth of it. I am saddened but not discouraged. It is only as things are revealed and consciousness is raised that change can start to happen. I want to be part of that change — to look constantly in a mirror to check my own actions and speech and to challenge myself and others when it is needed — to be a voice for those who have no voice.
On this day. when traditionally the symbol of peace is remembered, I hope that threatened increased violence will not ensue. That the transition to a new government will be peaceful and those dealing with the aftermath of this week will have much wisdom.
