He took him off by himself away from the crowd. He put his finger into the man’s ears and, spitting, touched his tongue; then he looked up to heaven and groaned, and said to him, “Ephphatha!” (that is, “Be opened!”) And [immediately] the man’s ears were opened, his speech impediment was removed, and he spoke plainly.
In group discussions with Veterans in the substance abuse program, I sometimes remind people that recovery is not a spectator sport. "You have to speak. You must participate."
But many of us experience a paralyzed muteness when it comes to spiritual conversation. We're already told not to engage in political or religious arguments. Even discussions are suspicious because they might become arguments.
And spiritual conversation? What is that?
As a preacher and blogger, I find it easy to speak. If I ever had a "speech impediment" it has been removed. But spiritual conversation is about listening and speaking; it's about responding, giving and receiving, adjusting, adapting, going with the flow. It's about sharing new thoughts while receiving new ideas. Or casting old idea as if they were fresh and lively because they are. It's about receiving the sacred presence of another human being.
Speaking is easy; listening is more difficult; the give-and-take of conversation is most difficult. Some people cannot do it at all. They either monopolize a conversation -- it's called "conversational narcissism" -- or they say nothing.
Conversation of any sort opens minds and hearts to new ideas and new reality. Spiritual conversation invites the Holy Spirit to guide our conversation, revealing delightful new insights to our minds, gladdening our hearts with the assurance of companionship.
"We're dying here" in America of loneliness. It's manifest in the plagues of obesity, alcoholism, drug abuse and suicide. It's apparent in the billion dollar pet industry -- including food, toys, life-prolonging surgeries, veterinary insurance, pet cemeteries, etc. People swear their dogs understand them! Loneliness is the foundation of adultery, pornography, sexual harassment, exploitation, and rape. Amid all the noise we have forgotten how to converse.
As a chaplain approaching the Catholic Veterans in the VA hospital, I enter the room and greet the patient. If they're at all receptive, I search the room until I find the remote and turn the TV off. Sometimes I explain, "It distracts me!" which is true. They often say they weren't watching anyway. It's just on for companionship. For distraction. For loneliness.
"Hunger is the best sauce in the world." said Miguel de Cervantes, probably his character, "Sancho Panza." If we're to enjoy conversation we should experience some loneliness, boredom, and angst. We needn't be ravenous but we should have an appetite for being with others, for listening to their experience and receiving their thoughts. We can "bring something to the table" with our thoughts, feelings, and stories. We can admit that we're glad to see each other, and even that we've missed one another.
"it's not good for man to be alone." The Lord said. But when he created the animals, "no suitable companion for Adam was found among them."
Well, doh!
If he couldn't name what he wanted, he knew it wasn't a horse, dog or pig.
We need flesh of my flesh and bone of my bone. We need each other.
Happy Valentines Day
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I love to write. This blog helps me to meditate on the Word of God, and I hope to make some contribution to our contemplations of God's Mighty Works.
Ordinarily, I write these reflections two or three weeks in advance of their publication. I do not intend to comment on current events.
I understand many people prefer gender-neutral references to "God." I don't disagree with them but find that language impersonal, unappealing and tasteless. When I refer to "God" I think of the One whom Jesus called "Abba" and "Father", and I would not attempt to improve on Jesus' language.
You're welcome to add a thought or raise a question.