We’ve got been discussing saintliness or holiness of late, as a counter measure to the smallness and hatred and pettiness and retribution that marks an enormous a part of politics in our nation of late. Because the poet and farmer and prophet William Berry used to say, “battle the worst with the most effective.” And as Carl Jung noticed, “it’s to the mystics that we owe what’s greatest in humanity.”
We honor the mystics (lovers) and prophets (individuals who intervene) amongst us within the streets of Minneapolis.
I need to suggest that Time Journal make its “individual of the yr” award early, and provides it to the folks of Minneapolis who marched and supported their fellow residents through the invasion of their metropolis by ICE and DOJ henchmen (and ladies). The on a regular basis saints of Minneapolis who linked up, displayed solidarity and the that means of affection and compassion, and mentioned “No!” to bullying and the denigrating of the American structure. And two folks, as we all know, had been murdered within the course of.
However lo and behold! There may be now a motion underfoot by the editors of The Nation to present a Nobel Peace Prize to the town of Minneapolis and its folks. It is a much better concept than Time Journal’s “individual of the yr” award. You may signal your title to the petition right here.*
These giving the award recount that unusual residents have stood their floor with nonviolent protest, mutual help, and solidarity, confronting worry and authoritarianism with dignity and resolve. 1000’s have marched in freezing temperatures, communities have organized authorized observers, delivered groceries to these in hiding, and insisted on human rights and constitutional freedoms.
The saintliness of unusual residents is there for all to see. It pumps new that means into the theological phrase, communion of saints.
The country-wide resistance is under no circumstances over, however it’s good to mark the momentary successes of our fellow residents and saints.
One other good-news milestone this week, has been the completion of the Buddhist monks’ 108 days, 2300-mile strolling pilgrimage for Peace that ended on Thursday in Washington D.C. Alongside the way in which, they impressed a whole bunch of 1000’s if not hundreds of thousands of individuals, reminding them that there are other ways to fight warfare—together with warfare on one’s personal folks.
Appropriately, they ended their journey on the Lincoln Memorial in honor of the primary Republican president who outlined democracy as authorities of the folks, for the folks and by the folks.
Within the phrases of Buddhist monk Venerable Ratanaguna: At present, right here on the Lincoln Memorial, I wish to categorical my heartfelt pleasure and deep gratitude to be standing on this place earlier than all of you, an exceptionally particular meeting, maybe the most important and most numerous gathering I’ve ever encountered in my life.
Opposite to those that need to erase DEI from all authorities actions, he praised the variety of America: That is an meeting made up of individuals of all races and cultures with out distinctions of religion or faith. Folks from all walks of life coming collectively right here within the spirit of unity, love, empathy, and understanding.**
Kingpins within the present administration akin to Peter Thiel and Elon Musk have pronounced that it’s time to erase the phrase “empathy” from our vocabularies. And in addition to erase democracy. Significantly. True sons of Venture 2025.
The Buddhist speaker known as Washington, D.C., “the center of a democratic, multicultural nation with a few of the most superior science and expertise on the earth.” The Dalai Lama despatched a observe of gratitude as effectively that was learn by his niece.
* The Editors, “Assist Minneapolis Get a Nobel Peace Prize,” The Nation, February 12, 2026.
** Meghan Cook dinner, “Buddhist monks walked 108 days straight from Texas to DC in a stroll for Peace,” MSN, February 13, 2026.
To learn the transcript of Matthew Fox’s video meditation, click on HERE.
Banner Picture: The group listening to the monks of Stroll for Peace speaking on the Lincoln Memorial on the final day of the stroll, February 11, 2026. Picture by Acelalover. Wikimedia Commons.
Queries for Contemplation
Do you agree with The Nation that Minneapolis residents deserve a Nobel Peace Prize? Do you’re taking power from the 2300 mile peace march by the Buddhist monks and the affirmation of range and democracy on the Lincoln memorial?
Associated Readings by Matthew Fox
One River, Many Wells: Knowledge Springing From International Religion Traditions.
Creativity: The place the Divine and the Human Meet.
Prayer: A Radical Response to Life.
Trump & the MAGA Motion as Anti- Christ.
Sins of the Spirit, Blessings of the Flesh: Reworking Evil in Soul & Society, (2016), pp. xxxviii-xli.
Christian Mystics: 365 Readings and Meditations.
Authentic Blessing: A Primer in Creation Spirituality.
Creation Spirituality: Liberating Presents for the Peoples of the Earth.
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