Positive Action

It is not enough for one to simply study and read about ethics, or theology, or any other discipline really. It requires action and practice in the real world.  Just as mathematical theory is based on practical and applicable principles, so too must moral theory be founded. It is the application of theory through action that allows our thoughts to be concretely cemented in the world. It allows us to truly acknowledge that we are trying to make a difference.

Our actions therefore have an imperative to be positive. In order to make a difference in the world, and to change it in a way in which we can positively impact it, we have to act well. This thought can be traced back to the classical tradition to the incumbent and beautiful words of Aristotle:

Moral excellence comes about as a result of habit. We become just be doing just acts, temperate by doing temperate acts, brave by doing brave acts.

Our task is to ask what we can do in order to fulfil this requirement - what constitutes a good life? Moral thought and moral action are surely two elements that are universally accepted.

For me, studying theology was originally about learning concepts - attempting to know the unknowable God, engaging within a faith which was inspired and instilled within me, a tradition which I couldn't imagine ever abandoning. However, I like to think that over the last couple of years of studying at university I have matured within my approach to study and one way in which I see this happening is that now I don't think it's just about learning anymore.

The learning of course remains central, but the application of this learning in action is ever more prominent.
This perhaps sounds like common sense, but in an environment where perhaps academia is often one's sole influence, positive action can get waylaid.

So I am taking steps to apply the theological concepts I encounter within the real world. I'm hoping to make a real difference to the lives of those I encounter by becoming a Mentor for vulnerable adults. In engaging, listening and supporting these people, I hope to make a difference to their lives, not through my own self-importance, but through my presence. By being someone to talk to. By attempting to emulate the presence God has in my own life. To truly be with someone in their moment of need. After all, in his moment of despair in the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus asked his disciples:

Could you not stay awake with me for one hour? (Matthew 26:40)

So for one hour a week, I shall be spending my time with a Mentee. It perhaps doesn't sound much, but as the band Angels and Airwaves say in that wonderful song, perhaps 'a little's enough.' I've yet to meet this person I'll be helping. And of course, through confidentiality boundaries I'm unable to share anything with you, but I can speak in generalities. And perhaps the biggest generality, but perhaps the most important, out there is Love. The Love that can be shared through listening and presence is perhaps one of the most profound and beautiful things one can do for another. And I hope I can live up to this goal.

I don't profess to be a saint, but I feel as though I am truly growing and getting to know my own strengths in undergoing this mentoring training; knowing that I am hopefully on my way to helping others. Perhaps we can all ask what positive action we can do to make a difference in the world. For surely we can make a difference, no matter how small it is. Perhaps a little difference really is enough.

Tomorrow God isn't going to ask you what did you dream, what did you think, what did you plan, what did you preach...He's going to ask, what did you do? - Michael Quoist