"For us let it be enough to know ourselves to be in the place where God wants us, and carry on our work, even though it be no more than the work of an ant, infinitesimally small, and with unforeseeable results."
-- Abbé Monchanin

Friday, April 19, 2013

What Creates Such Hatred?



Watching the unfolding identification of the Boston bombers, I can't help but wonder what it is that is causing so many people who came to this country at a youngish age as their families fled dangers in their homelands to become so embittered against the USA that they join terrorists groups. There have been numerous Somali youth recruited and others from middle eastern countries. I find it hard to believe that they came with their families intentionally planning to become terrorists. Something happened. 

 Could it be that we have been to unloving to them? Have we alienated them by the way we speak about other countries, ethnic groups or religious groups? Shouldn't the way we live our lives and relate to them be creating a sense of acceptance and a growing love for their new homeland instead? Many come to this country and become even more devoted to it than masses of people who were born here and never develop an appreciation for the treasure they have. 

We need to prevent future terrorist events, not simply by increased security and restrictions on immigration, but by winning the hearts of our neighbours.

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