VICARIOUS

(12,23,2023) Vicarious could mean how one can feel through imagined participation in the experience of another. It could also refer to suffering in place of another. We have all heard the expression, ‘put yourself in my shoes’. Or, as the song goes, ‘walk a mile in my shoes’. Just imagine, for one minute, what it would be like to be born and raised in a war zone! I know that I have referred to this situation before, but it bears repeating in these dangerous times. People, living in a free world, have little to no idea what it could possibly be like to have no freedom to come and go as you please. Prospects, for a healthy, happy future, range from little to nil. Although this is a holiday season for most people around the world, there is very little celebration happening in places like Gaza and Ukraine. None of the children, in these areas, have anything to look forward to but more bombing and killing. I am sure that every parent would be wiling to do anything for their child, to protect them from harm or even the prospect of it. But, how does one protect their child from living in fear for their life, every hour of each day, going to bed unsure of whether or not they will be killed in their sleep? No person should have to live like this, especially a child! Nor should they have to go to bed hungry, wondering where and when they will receive their next meal. It does not have to be like this! And yet, millions of children suffer in this manner, every day, while others freely go about their business, either blissfully unaware or uncaring. This week, they are wondering what they are going to receive for Christmas, or what to buy for their children, that will keep them happy and uncomplaining, for a few days, at least, until the novelty of the new toy wears off. This time of year should be spent concentrating on what we can do to make things better for those who are less fortunate than us! “But, what can we do?” one might ask. I wish that I could give a clear and concise answer. It is not a simple question to respond to, but, I will give it a try. I suppose that a first effort would be to openly admit that these are serious issues which need addressing. Talking about them, with others, would be a good start. Usually, one thinks, “How can I, one person, affect the outcome of so much injustice?” So, the first step is to become more than one, by joining other people, a group, whose interest is also in making a change for the better. Then, you are part of an organization dedicated to a good cause affecting the quality or improvement of life for people whose country is in turmoil. Trustworthiness, honesty and righteousness are guidelines by which we should all live, and so, we must expect and demand these same standards from our countries’ leaders. Sadly, whenever I view our leaders, hearing the lies and mud-slinging that pervades our governments, in North America, it sickens me to the core. Thousands of innocent people die, each day, while these politicians throw morality out the window. They spend their time practicing word games that belittle and besmirch the character of their opponents, while seemingly unaware or uncaring about the suffering that they are causing, through evasiveness, not only in their own country, but also in those that need the help and support that we, in North America, can give to them. But, the politicians are too caught up, in their own petty squabbles, to give a damn! Perhaps, one way to become more effective is to force our politicians to listen to us. The only thing that they care about is their little seat of power in the government. If we can threaten to take that away, then they will sit up and pay more attention. So, make your voice heard and make your vote count! But, beware of the traps! Let wisdom be your guide! Another way to address the issues, of hunger and genocide, is to emulate a role model who is admired by all. During this particular season, I can think of none better than Jesus Christ. However, people of different religious backgrounds might choose such role models as the prophet Muhammad and Buddha, from which to pull their strength and guidance. One might ask, “What would they do, given the situation in the world today? How would they react to the senseless slaughter of innocents?” Jesus Christ held high regard for the children. As he was leaving Galilee, for the final time, to meet his fate, Jesus told his disciples, who had turned away some children, “Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the Kingdom of Heaven.”-Matthew 19:14 (KJV). “Verily I say unto you, whosoever shall not receive the Kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein.”-Luke 18: 15-17 (KJV). Jesus was pointing out that the children are not insignificant or irrelevant, but, rather, valuable although very vulnerable. The humbleness of children, or, their humility, if you will, is a good example for teaching adults how to be less callous and more caring! Jesus blessed the children and showed openness and compassion for them. If one could vicariously live those precious moments, in Jesus’ life, walking in his sandals, as he approached his own tortuous death, but taking the time to stop and touch the children, blessing them along the way, then one would understand the true meaning of compassion! Jesus was significantly aware that the innocence of children placed them closer to God. In a similar manner, Buddhism teaches that children, in their innocence, are like Buddha. But, as they grow older, they lose that innocence and must strive to find the Buddha, in them, again, in order to regain the world of blissfulness, Edenlike in nature, thereby becoming once again like Buddha. As for Muhammad, he was forever reminding his people that children are precious and should be treated gently, with respect, paying due attention to their curious nature. He taught the people not to react in a negative manner, toward the actions of children, but, rather, talk and really communicate with them, in a positive way, while always practicing patience. Muhammad said that one does this because little children are a sacred trust of God. He also taught the people to treat children in a loving manner with a mild behavior so that the people could prevent themselves from counter-productive measures, toward their children, thereby preventing the people from behaving in a manner that could be displeasing to God! Now, if one chose to live for a single day, vicariously, as a child in any chosen country, such as Gaza, Ukraine, or many in North Africa, or the many dictatorships of South America, and North Korea (the list goes on, but, you get the point) then, one would have a very difficult time sleeping at night, providing one has a conscience or any sort of compassion, unlike many of our politicians. Better yet, imagine that you are now vicariously living, even just for one hour, as the parent of one of these children. Perhaps, you are the mother of a young child, like the one who fled South America, and crossed Mexico, finally making it to the border river of Texas, in America. Freedom at last, you think, for you and your young child. But, then, as you attempt to cross the river, you are caught in the current which threatens to tear your child from your arms. As you struggle to keep your child above water, a security boat approaches with the border patrol guard inside. Salvation! You think. But, as the boat nears to just a few metres away, the border patrol guard ignores your pleas for help. Imagine the despair of that woman, as she stares into the blank expression of that guard and sees a total lack of caring or compassion toward either of the poor souls! It must have been devastating! Just imagine if Jesus Christ was witnessing this heinous incident, along with the slaughter of the innocents, all over the world, and the total lack of action on the part of elected officials, those people who are supposed to protect the innocent children! Now, try to imagine Jesus Christ’s anguish!