Today's MOZEN: We Just Lack The Will

Vanessa Pena/Associated Press

A fire recently devastated the Cathedral of Notre Dame in Paris. Begun over 800 years ago, architecturally, artistically, culturally, and emotionally, it is one of the most important religious sites in the world, particularly for Roman Catholics. Its loss would be incalculable. Fortunately, although extensively damaged, the massive stone walls and much of the interior, including its famous stained glass survived, enabling the possibility of a complete restoration. However, the repairs will be massive and costly.

As of the writing of this post, hundreds of thousands of people, if not millions, plus some of the richest people in the world, have already pledged nearly a $ billion to the cathedral's rebirth. And, the amount is growing even as I write. It demonstrates the emotional connection people from all over the world had to this church. It cannot be ignored and the effort to save it is to be applauded.

However, at the same time, we need to put things in perspective here. Think about the outpouring of support. In a matter of hours, aid was pouring in for, ostensibly, a building. I know more than JUST a building, but a physical "thing" non-the-less. It cannot feed or house the poor. It cannot repair the damage to Puerto Rico. It cannot provide clean water for the children of Flint. It cannot end the famine in Yemen. Think of all the human beings who could be saved with that kind of money and attention. HUMAN BEINGS.

I suppose my point is that we always seem to find the money and make the effort for the things we deem MOST important. It's WHAT we deem such that is worth looking in to. Events like this show us that NO ONE need go thirsty or hungry. NO ONE need be homeless. NO ONE need live in fear. We simply lack the will to make it happen . . .