Modern society neurotically or paranoidly avoids contrition, suffering,
peril and death. It secures everything with seatbelts and safety rails, air
conditions the summer. heats the winter, prints warnings on foodstuff, plastic storage
containers, play toys... and advises that safety glasses should be worn while
working with hammers, lawn mowers, edging tools... There is little doubt, such safeguards
have prevented misfortune. Nevertheless, since heroism and the quality of excelling
are born from confronting rather than avoiding remorse, suffering, peril and
death, the mania for safeguards has also diminished the notion of these
qualities. This is regrettable
since only those intrepid souls who confront danger, endure suffering and
overcome obstacles merit mention in the annals of history. The Catholic Church has a saying that reads: “Per Crucem ad Lucem” that
translates “Through the Cross to the Light.” In a word, he will be enshrined in
those souls who reject mediocrity or ordinariness and aspire to greatness.
