Sphere of Concern, Sphere of Influence
Submitted by Marguerite Thompson
Excerpt from the February 2025 Newsletter of Catholics for Peace and Justice: www.catholicsforpeaceandjustice.org
I have so many concerns: wars and militarism, environmental degradation, racial inequity, deportation of immigrants, decline of democratic principles, economic inequity, crime and criminal legal issues, a failing social net, and the list goes on. My Sphere of Concern is vast and overwhelming.
My Sphere of Influence is quite limited. As one individual, I cannot correct a single one of the many injustices of the world! Nor can anyone else, acting alone. But even a small group, acting together, can nudge the universe in a better direction. God only asks me to do my part, not to take on everything.
I see 2 keys: Deep rooting in God, to know God’s will and to be transformed into a more loving person and then getting involved in at least one action.
What could that action be? Our Catholics for Peace and Justice newsletter offers a banquet of opportunities. I try, at the beginning of each month, to put a couple activities on my calendar—something to learn, maybe a letter to write, a group to take part in. I try to stretch my Sphere of Influence. I hope I joyfully meet you while doing so.