Editorial August 19, 1991 Issue

Staying with what is spiritually essential

Ann Kenrick

I was listening to one of Haydn's symphonies the other day. This piece of music is known as "Il distratto" or "The Absent-Minded Man." It is full of humor and whimsical, absent-minded meandering and surprises. At one point, the violin section remember they have forgotten to tune the strings, so they stop in the middle of a melody and tune up!

In the midst of a demanding schedule, we too may find ourselves mentally wandering away from the work in hand. We become distracted by worry or fear that we can't cope with the pressure, or by the unending complexities and chaos of world affairs. We may lose focus and give far less than our best efforts to what we should be doing. We have to "tune up" all over again.

It is especially important, at times of enormous need for compassionate outreach to the world, that as active Christians we stay focused. Then we are not distracted from the essential spiritual vision and purpose that give effectiveness and power to the healing ministry of the Christian Church.

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