The new ordinary of the Archdiocese of Seoul was installed at a time we had one of the hottest elections for the president of the country. There were a lot of concerns around the New Ordinary among the Catholics. What kind of action would he take in the ongoing crisis? It seems certain—a strong will to keep the place of prayer before the Christians.
Holy hours of prayer with believers. Many believers joined the new ordinary in prayer.
Looking at the archbishop the writer thinks we may have forgotten we are to be a praying people. Some people criticized the behavior seeing it as avoidance of needed action.
The writer who is working in the field of psychology believes the archbishop has chosen wisely. Prayer is not of the right or left, liberal or conservative, south or north.
This is because there is a fierce division between the left and the right, not only in the media but also in the personal communication network. Naturally, there are differences of opinion and there are standards for judging, this difference of opinion is a desirable phenomenon in creating a democratic society. However, when one sees the opinions of others not only as different but considers the other as an enemy we are dealing with an unhealthy society. This is because hostility inflicts fatal blows on both sides.
That is why some journalists lament that our country is already in a state of civil war even if the citizens don't have guns in their hands. This division among the citizens of this small country is not something we are experiencing for the first time. For in the past, we have had regional rivalry, class conflict, and other divisions that eat away at society like a malignant tumor.
As a result, incidents like the Jeju 4,3 massacre of good people have occurred. In this kind of atmosphere, people who do not know each other often fight and even friends over a drink. The fundamental problems are divisions and hostility. And it is not the politicians who want to profit by instigating divisions who will solve this problem, but the selfless people and their greatest weapon is prayer.
Prayer is the best way to cool down the burning hostility and cool down the spiraling emotions, and this is not doing anything. As we pray, talk, pray, and talk, we hope that the land we live in will not be a hell burning with hostility, but a peaceful meadow where the whole nation can rest together.
Facing disagreement, resentment, and hostility makes many angry and upset, this is not the attitude of those looking for wisdom. Many things need to be resolved before the talking that will produce results, not always what we desire but to search for truth in humility and love.
