How's The World? Messy....

When I hear stories of immense suffering or sadness on the news, I feel helpless. To fully understand that there are people out there starving while I complain that there is no "good food" in the house is almost more than I can manage. That could have been me. I could have been born into that life, and not the privileged one I now live. And even though I do live a privileged and excellent life, everyday I find something to complain about. When I hear about these horrific events on the news, I can't help but think that I'm more than a terrible Catholic, but a terrible person as well for not realizing all that I have and giving it back to others. The more despicable thing, however, is how easily I forget this revelation and move on with my everyday life. It's almost as if these horrible situations occur in a different world, and after hearing about them, I travel through a portal back to my own.
I agree with this article in that we need to remember, no matter how painful or uncomfortable it is. Regardless of whether or not we want to acknowledge their existence, these stories of suffering are happening every day. It is our duty as Christians to raise awareness and not push these horrific tales to the far recesses of our minds. How can we DO anything if we pretend like these things aren't happening? If everyone sees the story on the news about that group of people being tortured under a dictator and says, "That's terrible" and moves on with their life, then who will affect change and stand up for those incapable of raising their own voices? Naturally, it's easy for me to say that we all need to take a stand and not be afraid to put aside our mundane lives to do what we know is right. I have had many an opportunity to do this and have failed to do so, whether it be helping 9/11 victims or my neighbors who have been victimized by hurricane Sandy. I am not perfect. But I hope with the realization of my own imperfections, I can rise above them and bring about justice in the world.