We have been discussing saintliness or holiness of late, as a counter measure to the smallness and hatred and pettiness and retribution that marks a big part of politics in our country of late. As the poet and farmer and prophet William Berry used to say, “fight the worst with the best.” And as Carl Jung observed, “it is to the mystics that we owe what is best in humanity.”
We honor the mystics (lovers) and prophets (people who interfere) among us in the streets of Minneapolis.
I want to propose that Time Magazine make its “person of the year” award early, and give it to the people of Minneapolis who marched and supported their fellow citizens during the invasion of their city by ICE and DOJ henchmen (and women). The everyday saints of Minneapolis who linked up, displayed solidarity and the meaning of love and compassion, and said “No!” to bullying and the denigrating of the American constitution. And two people, as we know, were murdered in the process.
But lo and behold! There is now a movement underfoot by the editors of The Nation to give a Nobel Peace Prize to the city of Minneapolis and its people. This is a far better idea than Time Magazine’s “person of the year” award. You can sign your name to the petition here.*
Those giving the award recount that ordinary residents have stood their ground with nonviolent protest, mutual aid, and solidarity, confronting fear and authoritarianism with dignity and resolve. Thousands have marched in freezing temperatures, communities have organized legal observers, delivered groceries to those in hiding, and insisted on human rights and constitutional freedoms.
The saintliness of ordinary citizens is there for all to see. It pumps new meaning into the theological phrase, communion of saints.
The country-wide resistance is by no means over, but it is good to mark the temporary successes of our fellow citizens and saints.
Another good-news milestone this week, has been the completion of the Buddhist monks’ 108 days, 2300-mile walking pilgrimage for Peace that ended on Thursday in Washington D.C. Along the way, they inspired hundreds of thousands if not millions of people, reminding them that there are alternative ways to combat war—including war on one’s own people.
Appropriately, they ended their journey at the Lincoln Memorial in honor of the first Republican president who defined democracy as government of the people, for the people and by the people.
In the words of Buddhist monk Venerable Ratanaguna: Today, here at the Lincoln Memorial, I would like to express my heartfelt joy and deep gratitude to be standing in this place before all of you, an exceptionally special assembly, perhaps the largest and most diverse gathering I have ever encountered in my life.
Contrary to those who want to erase DEI from all government actions, he praised the diversity of America: This is an assembly made up of people of all races and cultures without distinctions of faith or religion. People from all walks of life coming together here in the spirit of unity, love, empathy, and understanding.**
Kingpins in the current administration such as Peter Thiel and Elon Musk have pronounced that it is time to erase the word “empathy” from our vocabularies. And also to erase democracy. Seriously. True sons of Project 2025.
The Buddhist speaker called Washington, D.C., “the heart of a democratic, multicultural nation with some of the most advanced science and technology in the world.” The Dalai Lama sent a note of gratitude as well that was read by his niece.
* The Editors, “Help Minneapolis Get a Nobel Peace Prize,” The Nation, February 12, 2026.
** Meghan Cook, “Buddhist monks walked 108 days straight from Texas to DC in a walk for Peace,” MSN, February 13, 2026.
To read the transcript of Matthew Fox’s video meditation, click HERE.
Banner Image: Minneapolis residents march in support of the immigrant population and against ICE terror. Photo by Chad Davis Photography on Flickr.
Queries for Contemplation
Do you agree with The Nation that Minneapolis citizens deserve a Nobel Peace Prize? Do you take energy from the 2300 mile peace march by the Buddhist monks and the affirmation of diversity and democracy at the Lincoln memorial?
Related Readings by Matthew Fox
One River, Many Wells: Wisdom Springing From Global Faith Traditions.
Creativity: Where the Divine and the Human Meet.
Prayer: A Radical Response to Life.
Trump & the MAGA Movement as Anti- Christ.
Sins of the Spirit, Blessings of the Flesh: Transforming Evil in Soul & Society, (2016), pp. xxxviii-xli.
Christian Mystics: 365 Readings and Meditations.
Original Blessing: A Primer in Creation Spirituality.
Creation Spirituality: Liberating Gifts for the Peoples of the Earth.
The Coming of the Cosmic Christ: The Healing of Mother Earth and the Birth of a Global Renaissance.
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5 thoughts on “Saints Among Us: Encouraging and Good News”
We wouldn’t be here if not for BIOdiversity, in nature and in evolution.
Just like the Appalachian mountains being a wellspring of biodiversity, supports life on all levels.
I no longer care what those people in “power” say! They’re voices of the antichrist .
I’m privileged to be in North Carolina, where the Rev Dr William Barber held a ❤️ LOVE FORWARD TOGETHER ❤️ March and rally this weekend, on Valentines Day to say we’re going forward for justice in love.
Thank you for your service and teachings, Dr Fox.
Great to hear your words today, Ellen, along with Matthew’s!
YES! YES! Today’s DM reminds me of Humanity’s ongoing personal and communal spiritual journeys of LOVING DIVERSE ONENESS…
Thank you for providing the link to sign the petition to honor the people of Minneapolis with the Nobel Peace Prize. Regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion, you must know that these have been rendered illegal in the state of Florida. Black history has been all but erased. Most recently, the historic black university, FAMU, had to double check with government officials if it could use the word “black” in materials they were preparing to hand out for Black History Month. Florida is the poster child for Project 2025. Educators from elementary schools to universities worry that they might say the wrong thing and be reported and then sued. And, of course, along with this comes obvious corruption like money for a charity being diverted to fight proposed amendments by the people. And, I think that Pam Bondi was the attorney general here when Epstein got his hand slapped for his crimes, just a few years in a cushy cell. Despite the poisonous political climate, I have hope from brave and inspiring people all over the world. And from my church, First Presbyterian of Tallahassee, which hangs out our banner supporting DEI, especially when the legislature is meeting, and which is a supporter of the black community, most recently in becoming a contributor to the black museum to strengthen its lecture series and intern program.
Some people quote Voltaire’s Candide as if he were an authority on wise living. His closing line in the novella named for him is “We must cultivate our garden.” He has thus turned down a neighbor’s encouraging him to take action about something. In the story, a satire against optimism and other baseless philosophies, violence and corruption teach him some painful and disillusioning lessons. The implied message is to avoid contact with most other people, work most of the time and meet your immediate needs. The lively plot shows that optimism in particular (“We live in the best of all possible worlds.”) is both ridiculous and dangerous to the trusting person.
This attitude can be called “privatism” or “individualism” and some social critics say it’s a growing malady of our time. Churches today can emphasize many examples of caring for others (“Love”) such as the parable of the “good” Samaritan, who does what members of the dominant culture fail to do for an injured man. There is for all today wisdom in sometimes withdrawing from the many duties and interests of public life; but for me the great example is Jesus, who left his disciples for moments of prayer and then returned not only to teach them but also to embody for them his active love for many others, which often provoked hostility and ultimately a martyr’s death from his people.