I have attended a talk named: “Crisis: A time of compassion” by Dr. Pina Ford. She presented an interesting idea of Pope Francis:

 “We are not living an era of change but a change of era.” (Cf. Footnote 1) 

and the Pope also emphasised: 

“Christian doctrine is not a closed system incapable of generating questions, doubts, interrogative – but is alive, knows being unsettled, enlivened,” said the pope. “It has a face that is not rigid, it has a body that moves and grows, it has a soft flesh: it is called Jesus Christ.” (Cf. Footnote 2)

These ideas inspired me to write something about CHANGE. 

To start with, CHANGE is a special English word because it can be understood as a noun or a verb without changing its form. Thus, we can say “a change” or “to change.” In relation to this word play, there is a cartoon in which describes a leader was asking his group: 

  • Who wants A CHANGE please raise your hand?

All raised their hands.

  • Good! Now, put your hands down, and who wants TO CHANGE please raise your hand again?

This time, there was no hand raising up and they all were in silence. 

So, what are the lessons from the cartoon? 

To change is very challenging and difficult for many reasons. 

First, in some cultures, to change is considered as a confronting action against the government or a long-life historical tradition or system. Hence, changes will be interpreted as destroyed actions which can ruin great traditions.   

Second, to change is the toughest battle with our own self. 

Obviously, to change is an action of rethinking about the values of the old and the new; and the new one is more adaptable and suitable to the contemporary time than the old. Nevertheless, to give up something still “good,” to some extent, is very challenging and even impossible.

Hence, what can make people change positively and willingly?

The answer may be what MEANINGS can come from that change. 

Do people understand why they need to change?

Do people realise the meaningful results which can produce from that?

Do people know all the positive aspects and all the side-effects of that action?

Do people know that if they are afraid of changing, they can end up in something scarier which is called REGRET!

To conclude, changes are inevitable to life. Indeed, everything is changing, no exception to anything and anyone. Consequently, environmental, social, cultural changes force human beings to change in order to adapt, to transform and to immerse in. Be open-minded, brave and authentic and to have positive attitude, strong spirituality and loving heart should be necessary and essential to a change of era. From there, we, human beings, can see clearer who we are in relation to ourselves, the others, nature, the universe and the Supreme Being. 

With love,

Butchivuive (Happy pencil)

Footnote:

  1. Joshua J. McElwee., “Pope Francis meeting with bishops Nov. 10, 2015 in the Duomo, the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore in Florence, Italy.” Retrieved from https://www.ncronline.org/catholicism-can-and-must-change-francis-forcefully-tells-italian-church-gathering. (13 May 2023)
  2. Ibid.