Dear Lord,
I'm grinding to a halt. I'm in a foul enough mood that it's a bit difficult to do anything with some of these reflection questions. I'm not craving technology, but I am thinking about going to the end of the driveway, and hitching a ride into town to play a few games of pool and a to pop a few uhhh....inches of plastic into jukebox. But I will give it the ol' college try. Please guide me, Lord. I do this because I sincerely want to draw nearer to you, and to serve you, in whatever way you will. You have given me so much, you have shown me your mercy, and now have a loyal follower. Lord, inhabit me, my mind, my will, everything. I give it to you.
Also, thank you Lord for this time at a Jesuit retreat house. It's refreshing to be surrounded by this beautiful architecture, and these books about fiery love for You and for others. Books about Catholic social justice, etc. There's a heady, academic vibe, but better than college because it's all centered on love of You, and spreading Your love by loving others. And also you can drink whatever you want, and from whatever you want, instead of just water from closed bottles.
How can putting on the virtues Paul describes help you overcome "othering" and build unity?
I think it would break down any barriers somebody else might have toward me, or the situation we were in. It could create space for a conversation. And even if it weren't an actual in-person situation, it could create that space within me to have an honest conversation. Hey, maybe this person has a valid concern, or at least comes from a place of truth from their perspective. Or perhaps, given the trajectory of their understanding of something, and of their life, their perspective makes a lot of sense.
What invitation are you hearing from God? Which virtue are you drawn to deepen/work on? (We can't choose all and do them all at the same time).
Hmm. Two stick out for different reasons. I feel like heartfelt compassion is the easiest for me. I'm able to feel what others feel, and hear them out. But sometimes it takes a little while to get to the bottom of things. Gentleness also sticks out. I have a tendency to fight back, and respond with "overwhelming force," thanks to a lot of the military science mumbo jumbo I was exposed to during some of my formative years. Good for war, bad for peace. Unless, I suppose, you're responding with an overwhelming force of kindness. But I digress.
I feel like gentleness and patience are closely linked. If I'm not "suffering well," which is what patience is, then gentleness is going to be vexing. Patience, I would say. Heartfelt compassion happens naturally, provided I can get the low down. I can't get to the low down unless I can slow down and wait for the low down. Coax out the low down. Patience I need to work on patience. Wonder if there's a protocol for this? This would also help very much in my friendly, personal relationships. My wife and daughter deserve more patience from me.