...a Pharisee invited him to dine at his home. He entered and reclined at table to eat. The Pharisee was amazed to see that he did not observe the prescribed washing before the meal.
When I offered a ride to a young fellow some years ago, he was surprised that I was listening to classical music. He was sure my cd player played only Bible Belt church music. Situations like that, though common, are embarrassing as we have to explain "We're human too."
Like the Pharisee who invited Jesus to his home, unchurched people often have strong expectations of what holy persons should say or do. Even normal biological functions astonish them.
Ideologues are also certain they know what their opponents will say and how they'll react. Jesus's experience of the Pharisee is familiar to any religious or priest who takes their vocation seriously.
When he rebuked the astonished Pharisee, the Lord insisted, "You are missing the point entirely!"
As invited Church leaders sit with Pope Francis for a synod on synodality, ideologues around the globe divide into two camps. Both firmly believe they know what to expect: some expect the worst; others expect the best. Few have any real idea what synodality might entail.
They cannot imagine a meeting of persons from all parts of the earth asking God to guide his church; they cannot believe that God might have certain intentions for his Church. And, if he does want something of the Church, they cannot conceive of a way to discover what that might be -- short of a supernatural skywriter appearing overhead. (Dorothy, surrender!") Nor do they hear insiders reply, 'Expect nothing, except perhaps disappointment."
Ideologues believe the results are more important than the process. Or, in other words, the end justifies the means. If we have to do good by frustrating, disappointing, or destroying some people, it's unfortunate but necessary.
The Church has long experience of disagreement and bitter memories of heresy. We know that disagreements are not resolved when a dominant faction gains control over a people nation, or Church. If resistance seems to disappear, it has only gone into hiding -- to reappear at another time under a different guise. Nothing is resolved by victory, regardless of who wins.
To use a familiar analogy: Many of Moses' people supposed they knew where the Lord was taking them and went on ahead -- and were lost. Others insisted we should stay where we are, and were lost. Only those who remained with the People of God remained in communion with God.
As the Synod works throughout the coming weeks, we who are not attending should pray that we will be moved by the same obedient spirit that the Holy Father has invoked. We must habitually ask the Lord, "What am I to do today? How should I respond to today's challenges? Please send your Spirit to guide my thoughts, words, and deeds; my actions and reactions!"
And we should always conclude that prayer with, "Thank you for being the One, True God."
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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.