Far too many people are excluded

This week's Three Patrons' newsletter.

By Michael Commane

The teacher’s pet has a ring to it. It’s always annoying and irritating when a teacher shows a preference for one student over another. But it happens, always did and always will.

It occurs right across the spectrum of human life. Some people are preferred over others. It’s not always on grounds of talent, ability, intelligence, qualifications. Often it is on a whim. People sidle up to those they think may be important.

In recent years there has been a number of politicians, who have seen a gap in the market. They have spotted that many people feel alienated, forgotten. The cute politicians blame all our woes on the ‘current elite’ and then slip into their roles. It seems to be a clever ploy of the far-right. And unfortunately, it’s working for them.

But their instinct is spot on.

Too many people feel alienated and not significant within their group or their society.

It happens everywhere and we allow it to happen.

It happens in the church.

I mentioned here two weeks ago about how at the 07.30 Mass on Wednesday mornings someone speaks for two minutes on the Gospel of the day.

I have been blown over by the quality of the content and how it is delivered. Faith in action.

Only two rules: the person has to speak on the Gospel of the day and there is a two-minute time-limit.

The Wednesday talk has been in operation since February 14. No one is excluded, everyone is welcome. I pick people randomly. If they prefer not to speak that too is fine.

It is sensational how well it is working, indeed only last week someone suggested that the content should be collected and published.

To think of the faith, the talent, the goodness, everything, that we miss out on when we don’t open our hearts and minds to every human being.

Every person has a tale to tell. Imagine, if we took the time and sense to listen.