On Sunday, the
Mount hosted 68 Hispanic women for Mass and a Lenten retreat at Sophia
Spirituality Center. When it was time to recite the “Our Father” at Mass, everyone
was invited to pray in their first language. I was surprised that instead of
clashing, our voices complemented each other and sounded harmonious. It was
breathtaking, really, to realize that there is room in the body of Christ to
affirm each person’s uniqueness.
We often seem
to believe that unity requires squelching differences. How can people be united
if they speak different languages, practice different customs, or have
different viewpoints? Jesus’ approach was that our place of unity centers on
love of God and love of others. Thus, although I might not be comfortable with
charismatic or ecstatic prayer, if it is based in love of God, I can affirm it.
Although I don’t like spicy food, if it is made with love, I’ll sample it. Although
I do not believe the U.S. is ready to accept the governing approach advocated
by democratic socialists, if you are motivated by the desire to end human
suffering, I’ll listen to your ideas.
The humility
advocated by St. Benedict requires us to listen to each other despite our
differences because no one is in sole possession of the truth. If God created
diversity, there must be a reason for it. Trust in God’s ways demands that we
accept rather than fear our differences and use them to learn how to be more humble
and loving. To be one in Christ is not a matter of uniformity but
single-hearted pursuit of the kingdom of God, where love is the guiding
principle and all are welcome in their amazing diversity.
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