Sir, - The media seem bent on telling us of the grim possibilities of terrorist attacks, by horrendous means, anywhere in the world.
I think it is important gently to address people's fears. We must arouse faith and hope in the inherent goodness of the universe.
There is a plan in all that happens in the universe. We must be trustful and patient in allowing the plan to unfold and interpreting the message it is giving us. There is a reason for everything. If the carpet of security is being pulled from under our feet, perhaps we have built a false security?
We must decode the message of the present circumstances. Obviously we do what we can to make things better and find answers. But then we trust that all will be well. It is neither good nor necessary that we live in fear rather than in faith.
As we wait for the unfolding of life, we renew our efforts to live in hope and compassion. In giving love we move away from self-centred fear, imaginings and introspection. We live in gratitude for the day we have and the opportunities it gives us for healing. We begin to hope.
Love begets positive responses; people begin to feel a sense of belonging to a truly human family (note how people still talk of the cameraderie in London during the bombardment of that city in the last World War.) There is a lot of greed and affluence to be purged as we return to caring for each other. Now is the time for forgiveness.
The worst scenario often does not happen. Maybe we need to be brought to the very edge of the abyss in order to rediscover what is truly important in life and the richness of simplicity. The Christmas season is a good time to be brought to our senses and brought to our knees if necessary. The Afghans need our generosity.
God is in control of God's world even though the media may be slow to admit this. - Yours, etc.,
Angela Macnamara, Lower Kilmacud Road, Dublin 14.