Last December, Pope Francis initiated a Year of Mercy and Compassion. The aim of this year is not only to experience the mercy and the compassion of our living God, as a God ‘rich in mercy’, but also to instill in us, Christian followers, a sense of mercy and compassion towards fellow brethren.
Beyond the religious significance, this message is not intended to be confined within the Church but also being addressed to all people of good will. It carries a bold, provocative and daring challenge. It is a message that resonates beyond race, culture or creed. Mercy and compassion are two cornerstone values, even within secular quarters.
Mercy and compassion are two intrinsic characteristics within our human DNA. It is through mercy and compassion that we distinguish ourselves as human beings. It is through these values shown to ourselves and to others that we come across as humans with ‘a heart that still beats’. Mercy and compassion bring out the best in us and show we still care enough to take note of the vulnerabilities of others.
Without both virtues, we lose our human touch and are reduced to mere robots. Without compassion, we lose the joy of life. Without mercy, our society is governed by the law of the jungle, in which the heartless and the arrogant prevail. Without mercy and compassion, we end up being a narcissistic and egoistic society with no time and space for others.
Mercy and compassion should not be understood as a pious expression aired in particular heart-breaking circumstances or during some annual charity fund raising marathon, such as L-Istrina. Neither should they be considered occasional alms-giving exercises. Alms giving is the most ‘honourable’ way of getting rid of one’s small change and/or troubled conscience. Mercy and compassion should not be understood as the momentary and apologetic feeling of pity for the bad luck that befalls others.
Mercy and compassion are bold and courageous statements. They must be translated into tangible solidarity that enable and empower. They are meant to reach the most vulnerable of our society. They signify embracing those who do not share our value system and culture sensitivities. Mercy and compassion must also sustain those who failed to be given ample opportunities to succeed. True mercy and compassion prompt us to go out of our way to restore one’s human dignity and to support others in a holistic way rather than in a patronising manner. Quoting Nelson Mandela: “Overcoming poverty is not a gesture of charity. It is an act of justice.”
The State cannot abdicate from its responsibility and pass the buck to a NGO
I am a firm believer that if mercy and compassion are to be truly holistic, then they need to be translated into a strong political statement. On their own, they are just abstract emotions and a pure form of idealism. A political statement comes with a robust social policy in place, that provides the ‘rod rather than the fish’.
It is the role of the State to design, facilitate, implement and secure policies of mercy and compassion that enable and empower. The ultimate aim of politics is to be a catalyst for positive change. The role of policymakers is to make a stronger and a healthier society. Supposedly, the prime motive behind every seasoned politician, and aspiring candidates like myself, is to make our society a better place. We entered the political arena not to squabble over trivial or partisan issues but to contribute for a more humane and inclusive society, in which no one is left behind.
As much as annual charity fundraising marathons, such as Istrina, are commendable and should encourage active citizenship, no NGO should be made to shoulder the burden with such a responsibility. A worrying trend is that they are. Are NGOs gradually being asked to replace the State?
The role of NGOS is rather to complement the social policy endeavours of the State. The State cannot abdicate from its responsibility and pass the buck to a NGO. The indifference, negligence and the incompetence of the State should not be shouldered by any NGO.
For example, the Community Chest Fund is said to financially contribute to numerous social and medical interventions to fellow citizens.
Many are questioning: why do people have to seek the help of a NGO instead? Why does the government secure funds to organise international events, splashing out on events and then finding no funds to support special treatment? Why does a NGO, such as CCF, need to do extra miles to raise funds for chemotherapy and other crucial services when it is the role of the State to provide for its citizens?
While successive governments have all supported numerous NGOs in their noble endeavours, it will be a grave social policy blunder that would send the wrong message to the community if NGOs are somehow made to replace the social conscience of the State.
The custodian and prime mover of our national social consciousness is solely the responsibility of the State.
Beyond pious sermons, political rhetoric, alms-giving exercises, media-staged ‘charity shows’ or opening of cathedral doors, we are being challenged to open truly our hearts and our political systems to our fellow brethren.
Mercy and compassion are not merely sweet talk. They are a way of life.
Albert Buttigieg is a Nationalist Party candidate and a St Julian’s local councillor.