Advent and overcoming apathy

There was a blog post recently by Angie Hong calling for an active Advent.

Somehow combining the best of two worlds - contemplation, reflection and preparation, with social engagement. 

I loved it.

The only part of the whole blog piece that I didn't necessarily agree with was the statement: "Isn't that the true definition of hate? To just not care?" Hong offered the example of the Black Friday march along Chicago's Magnificent Mile, in response to the shooting of Laquan McDonald. Many of the shoppers caught in the protest were anything but sympathetic.

Hong was using some of the remarks of the shoppers to support her statement about hate.

Unfortunately, I'd have to go with Webster's definition of hate, which is: "Intense hostility and aversion, usually deriving from fear, anger, or sense of injury. [A] habitual emotional attitude of distaste, coupled with sustained ill will."

I say unfortunately, because, if the shoppers' response to the demonstration was actually hate, then you could begin to do something about it. You could try to convince them.

However, I'd have to say what the shoppers demonstrated was more akin to apathy, which is defined as: "Lack of interest or concern." 

The main emotions that the shoppers expressed were annoyance and frustration that the march along Michigan Avenue got in the way of their holiday shopping. They seemed to be completely oblivious to the reason for the demonstration. 

Apathy can be twice as deadly as hate.

Remember the last time you tried to engage someone who truly didn't care? How did it go?

You can't shame someone into caring.

On the other hand, I admire and appreciate Hong's invitation to take the Advent season to reflect and then act. To somehow take the longing for the Savior to allow the Savior's love to influence how we act towards others. To see Jesus in the refugee, the outcast, the exploited, the forgotten. And do something about it.

Hong offers a wonderfully poignant invitation to us. "Let your observance of Advent lead to Jesus-centered action. And let your Jesus-centered action lead you to long for the coming of the Light of the World."

Hong is inviting us to take a deeper look at ourselves. And a good look at the Savior of the World born in a manager. To experience the power of God Incarnate, dwelling among us. 

We really don't need to look any further for motivation.

We can use this season of Advent to regain perspective, to see social injustice from God's point of view, and become active.

I encourage us all, myself included, to consider Angie Hong's blog post and take her advice.

Photo Credit: www.tpctacoma.org