Indignation

Indignation may be linked to anger, wrath, mischief, irritability and resentment. There is righteous and justified anger, which brings forth indignation, sometimes holy indignation, from the turmoil in the soul which has been affected. This is a dreadful eruption which is expressed publicly, by indignant people protesting in a variety of ways, some extreme, at being mocked, lied to, fooled and deceived.

This is a sudden, spontaneous, general expression of outrage, a wave of wrath, a storm of disapproval, a powerful, simmering anger. Scandals among leaders and the powerful caused sparks to fly, irritability, a flare-up of reactive determination, a culmination in the protests, stress, acrimony, fury and hostility. And so there came an eruption of passions, an outbreak of demands. Thousands of people lost their tempers, disgusted at the dishonesty, effrontery, empty verbosity, false promises, half-truths and insincere smiles. The whole irreparable situation brought about a violent reaction and sent blood rushing to the head. So much turmoil of the soul, irritation of the spirit, explosive anger at injustice was too much to bear. Alas, a lot of politicians could hardly care less.

 Indignation is rising daily, it can no longer be reined in. There is no let up in the rage. Patience has been exhausted. Tolerance has worn thin. People are not gullible any more. They are fed up with and weary of the rhetoric, the promises and the antics of politicians. They are tired and have had enough, they’re disappointed and weary. They’ve had enough, they’re disgusted, displeased, and annoyed and have taken to the streets. They’ve left their armchairs and television sets. That is something. They are looking forward, full of desire, their hearts burn to see better days. They feel restricted. They can’t wait for substantial change. They’re on tenterhooks, pursued by demons, thinking about the future of their children, the depths to which their beloved homeland has sunk. Modern Greeks  are one edge, on tin tacks, biting their nails, taking tranquilizers. Their courage is exhausted. There’s no room for manoeuvre. They’re totally fed up. They’re at the end of their tether. It can’t go on. Something big will have to happen soon.

Violence isn’t the answer. Greece needs to be led to a renaissance peacefully, carefully, with knowledge, dignity, diligence, interest, inspiration, study and hard work. We have to learn to live with less. To read the Gospel of restraint. To become more giving in these difficult times. To listen to other people. The protests should not be expropriated by anyone. The indignation should not become null and void. It should become innovative, creative and effective.

We’ve been through other storms and survived. We’ve taken exams in patience and bravery and passed with flying colours. Let’s not be downcast and easily defeated. The magnanimity of the Greeks and their fortitude will bring rich and valuable gifts to our afflicted country, which some betrayed and for this they must answer. What’s done is done. God is great. Alas, at a time when it is appropriate for the Church to speak, it is silent. Without showy rhetoric, it could have offered responsible discourse, apposite, significant and comforting. We believe and hope that indignation will bring some good to our troubled country. God willing. Hopefully.