How can any one of you with a case against another dare to bring it to the unjust for judgment
instead of to the holy ones?
Do you not know that the holy ones will judge the world?
Saint Paul's distress over hearing that his disciples in Corinth were suing each other in civil courts would be amplified beyond imagination by the scandals of religious wars, and even more so by the ideological wars of modern times. That Christians and Catholics fight and kill one another in the name of freedom is beyond comprehension; and yet freedom has been the battle cry of every Christian nation since the French invaded their neighbors under the banner of "Liberté, égalité, fraternité."
When the Scottish soldier, John Macmurray, recovering from injuries suffered on the front during World War I, reminded his Presbyterian congregation that they would soon be making peace and trading with their German enemies, he was shunned. In response he quit the Church, returning only a half-century later as a Quaker.
Today's divisions among Catholic congregations in the United States also undermine our claims to fidelity. Because we have been adopted into God's elect, our quarrels betray our faith just as certainly as Judas's crime against Jesus.
A recent discussion on NPR's Hidden Brain suggests a simple way out of this dilemma. The episode -- The Gift of Other People -- explored the possibility of opening conversations with complete strangers, especially during the daily commute on a bus or train. Remarkably, although most people expect an unpleasant outcome to the suggestion, most people report a good experience when they have done so. In fact, strangers often share very personal feelings and tell very important stories to complete strangers, stories their loved ones might not know or appreciate.
As I listened I had to plea "guilty as charged;" I almost never speak to strangers while flying, despite our literally rubbing shoulders.
Another Hidden Brain program some time ago made a similar, more direct suggestion that neighbors who clearly differ with one another about partisan issues -- they have opposing signs in their front yards -- might do well to take a walk together. In the neutral territory of a public park, they might be surprised to discover they agree about so much.
Sharing faith and announcing the Good News of Jesus Christ, as we're supposed to do, might begin with a conversation about the weather, "your lovely hat," gardening or fishing, and a passing remark about my pastor. Nor does that particular disclosure have to come during the first, fifth, or tenth conversation.
No congregation should embarrass Saint Paul as the Corinthians did. We can do better; we know better. We have only to begin. Easing tension and friendly conversations with strangers may forestall World War III.
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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.