Garth Rattray
LAST WEEK, I read Father Richard Ho Lung's column with much interest. I remember him from my days at St. George's College before he was an ordained Roman Catholic priest. His disciplined mannerisms were portrayed in the slow and deliberate way that he spoke and in his soft walk. He obviously had a deeper appreciation for the purpose of life. Even back then, he was committed to spiritual servitude and destined to greatness.
From afar, I have observed his remarkable determination to work for the poor among us and his expectation to dedicate his entire life in service to them. His piece, 'Jamaica: Loving you unto death', therefore came as no surprise to me. Unlike so many others who go in search of God but find only the rote of religiosity instead, it is obvious that Fr. Ho Lung has indeed found a path to God through sacrificial servitude.
He is absolutely right; one should be willing to die for a cause that he/she truly believes in. His column was moving, but I must confess that the present state of this country makes me unwilling to go so far as to voluntarily put my life at risk, even for the needy poor. Of course, I know that I must die one day. I also know that one of the noblest things is to be prepared to die or actually die for one's country and especially the deserving poor within it.
GREAT PRAISE
As it is, members of the security forces (especially the police) constantly put themselves in harm's way in service to all the people of this country. And, I have profound admiration and praise for the educators and religious leaders who put their lives at great risk by working in volatile communities. Some would argue that, in our extremely violent society, the regular people who remain here voluntarily are also putting their lives on the line. Only a small portion of the violent crimes committed daily make it into the media. I have several patients who have been raped, stabbed, shot, beaten, incapacitated and even killed just because they were in the 'wrong place at the wrong time'. Some say that the wrong place is Jamaica and the wrong time is now.
Many of us could have run away to greener and safer pastures, but opted to remain here out of love for this country and its people. We try to do our little part for the betterment of the less fortunate. I believe that the average Jamaican would do more for the poor and destitute but is inclined to 'hold his/her corner' out of fear and frustration.
Father Ho Lung operates from a spiritual standpoint and we should all aspire to be like him. However, there are numerous, (as yet, not so spiritual) regular, everyday people with the mundane trappings of personal responsibilities, families and relatives who would also like to help the poor but are sorely deterred by the state of the society and governmental bungling.
TRULY INSPIRATIONAL
A society seemingly overrun by crass, ignorant, selfish and ill-mannered people is a real turn-off. Cold-hearted, materialistic individuals who are continuously allowed to acquire power and influence to satisfy their own financial greed and pompous aggrandisement are also discouraging.
Individuals like Father Ho Lung are truly inspirational, but Jamaica also needs her leaders to set the example by exhibiting a commitment to work and die for our people. Some must break away from their dark associations and all must put the country before politics. This will encourage the level of volunteerism needed to do more for the poor people of Jamaica.
Dr. Garth A. Rattray is a medical doctor with a family practice.
