This column appeared in the September 20, 2001, edition of the Catholic Herald, the Archdiocese of Milwaukee's weekly newspaper.


September 20, 2001

Our vulnerability

This "Herald of Hope" was begun before the events of Sept. 11 started to unfold in the United States. It was prompted by the question why we bishops would visit our parish in the Dominican Republic during the hurricane season. In reflecting on an answer that made sense, I would have to say that I had not thought seriously about the fact that it was the time of the hurricanes. But when it was called to my attention, I thought we should go anyway. We talk much about our solidarity with the parish here, but we seem to restrict that solidarity to the better seasons of the year.

Years ago I recall visiting one of our monasteries in Africa in the rainy season. The monks were so pleased because they said visitors never really knew how they lived since they came only in the pleasant seasons. (It would be like never visiting Milwaukee from November to April.)

My reflections took me then to conversations with my relatives in California. Like the people here in the Dominican Republic during this season who are not constantly watching TV or listening to the radio to see if a hurricane is in sight, people in California are aware they live along fault lines, but it stays deep in the back of their minds and is not the subject of constant conversation and concern. They know they are always vulnerable, just as the Dominicans know they, too, are always vulnerable.

Perhaps the closest we come to such an experience in Milwaukee is in the tornado season. But again, knowing our vulnerability, we still do not dwell on it. It remains always, however, in the back of our minds. Every so often Jesus reminds us of that vulnerability. Everything earthly has built into it the possibility of destruction, collapse, and ruin. It is a part of the material and human condition. I guess one could also say that as a part of the human condition there will always be people whose acts are uncontrollable - acts which will affect negatively all of us. We saw this clearly before our eyes as the Trade Towers collapsed. Our first reaction was one of incredulity and shock, then sadness, and then anger. We suddenly realized that we all live in extreme vulnerability in our technical world today. That vulnerability has increased by leaps and bounds as we have become more sophisticated in our means of travel and communication.

For us Americans that vulnerability has also increased as we have extended our economic and political interests all over this globe. We have also in the process extended the list of our enemies and rivals. We can, under such circumstances, never isolate ourselves from extreme acts of aggression. We can build shields. We can come up with scores of precautionary measures, but ultimately we will be outwitted. We will become more miserable in our vulnerability, more frightened, more defensive, more inclined toward extreme physical and psychological "shields."

Perhaps it is the moment to rethink radically our relationships to all others, to create friendships and bonds of solidarity instead. Vulnerability means "easily wounded." It is time to admit we are easily wounded and stop trusting in our might and politico-economic clout. If any of the prophets of old were in our midst, this is what they would be telling us. If Jesus were in our midst, this is what he would be telling us.

There is rightly much talk about searching out guilty parties. Justice is important. No one can deny that need. But it will not be enough on which to build a sound future. Increasing our "intelligence" mechanisms can be useful, but it cannot be enough on which to build a secure future. It is time to ask the deeper questions: How can we be friends to all on this planet and lessen our tendency to divide the world into friends and enemies? Can we stop creating animosities that last for decades? Is it time we changed our image around the world from one of selfish economic concerns to maintain our present lifestyles to one of genuine solidarity with all others? Is it time we admit our vulnerability and live accordingly?

Be An Informed Catholic
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