Note From The Pastor
 
“The Bible tells us to love our neighbors, and also to love our enemies; probably because they are the same people.”  ~ G.K. Chesterton
 
As I write this reflection it is the eve of the 2020 election.  We approach a historic election in a very tumultuous time.  News stories describe preparations already underway in anticipation of unrest and violence.  Stores in downtown Indianapolis and around the country are boarding up windows.  Pundits are offering their “two cents” about outcomes and possible reactions, all from their own political stance and perspective.  One political reporter commented, “The country is on edge.”  Some people have commented to me they are looking forward to “just getting this election over.”  We all hope that tensions will begin to subside.  Yet regardless of the results of this election (which may not be determined by the time you read this), our society will continue to be divided and conflicted.  In the social climate today, it seems that differences turn quickly to conflict and confrontation.  Simple differences brand someone as either in the “red” or “blue” camp.  There are often personal judgments based on assumptions about another’s intent, values or character.  Conflict is heightened by social media and other instant communication that has removed personal interaction.  Expressing anger is seen as a virtue.  This division is often among neighbors, family and friends.  What can we do, as people of faith, to be a catalyst of healing and grace in this time?  We can work to respond to others as Christ teaches us – with humility, respect and charity.
 
Humility is acknowledging that there is much we don’t know.  There are always limits of what we know about a person and what they are attempting to communicate.  Humility can help us to not react, and not rush to judgment.  We can’t read hearts or minds.  If we approach another person from a place where we give them the benefit of the doubt, we can really listen and come to a better understanding of both who the person is, and what they are communicating.  It doesn’t mean we will necessarily agree with them, but it communicates care.  We have to be humble to do this with those who are different.  This was consistently Jesus’ approach to all those he met.

Every person is made in the image and likeness of God.  Each of us has an innate human dignity that deserves respect.  Even those who make terrible, immoral choices deserve respect and dignity.  Respect simply means giving someone due regard for their human rights and experience.  Everyone has a story, a history, that isn’t always evident.  Have you ever changed your opinion of someone after you learned what they had to suffer through or what burden they continue to carry?  Think of the story of Jesus meeting the Samaritan woman at the well.  He treated her with dignity.  So much so that she questioned him as to why he would even speak with her.  
 
Above all we need to bring charity to anywhere there is conflict and division.  There is often a temptation to respond with one of two extremes – either confrontation or retreat.  This is our natural fight or flight response.  Neither of these reflect charity.  Charity presumes a relationship of caring, even with differences.  It often means the hard work of listening, truly listening without interruption, challenge, ignoring or tuning out.  Love of neighbor – charity – means giving the time and energy necessary to know someone’s idea, opinion or position on an issue beyond what we assume them to think and believe.  After all, charity is wanting what is good for another.  Sometimes this means calling them to a better way of living or believing, but only after we offer them dignity, respect and understanding.  Again, that is what Jesus did.  Think of the woman caught in adultery who he first freed from condemnation before calling her to avoid sin. 
 
In our post-election conversations with coworkers, family, neighbors, friends and fellow parishioners, let us all remember that, as Christians, we are called to love.  We are called to respond in charity to every person, even people whose opinion and ideas are in direct conflict with our own.  It doesn’t have to be complicated.  If we simply take the time to humbly and honestly treat them with dignity and respect, we can begin to have a dialogue and not an argument.  We can stay in relationship with them rather than avoid them and any uncomfortable topic.  We can show them the love of Christ that we profess as Catholic Christians.  Jesus said, ‘This is my commandment: love one another as I love you.” 
(John 15:12)  
 
“It is neither a culture of confrontation nor a culture of conflict which builds harmony within and between peoples, but rather a culture of encounter and a culture of dialogue; this is the only way to peace.”  
Yours in Christ,
Father Dale