Friday, September 26, 2014

"Unity..........................."

Many years ago I sat in a Sunday school class under a teacher who declared it impossible for two believers to give the Gospel to others unless they both held the same theology. To which I replied, “Give him to me. We’ll just share Christ and discuss our differences later.” Last night found me seated with six others around a rectangular table in the rectory at Holy Cross, invited by a friend to join his weekly men’s group. It was an enjoyable experience for me, albeit a bit uncomfortable at first, realizing dogma separated us somewhat and an initial request for us to share ten minutes of silence leaving me praying only that the cellphone inside my jacket wouldn’t suddenly come to life with “Anchors Aweigh”. There were seven of us there, three, including me, possessing obvious longevity, Father Barnes positioned where he could easily direct questions to all concerning Ron Rolheiser’s book, “Sacred Fire”. My original intention was to say little, listen a lot, and to simply show my gratitude for being there at all. Prayer, beforehand, sought His presence to use my tongue should it operate in any manner, knowing the differences in dogma and my ability to “open mouth, insert foot”. As it happened, as I should have known, when swords aren’t drawn and nobody’s out to clone the other fellow’s experience, the Holy Ghost in each of us attracts our individual flames, making us one in Him. Freedom was there to speak openly, Jesus the center of what was shared and alive in those words that came forth. The “Tower of Babel” operated in reverse, linguistics unable to divide the truth of Jesus connecting us through the Cross. What an evening, a banquet, indeed, and a privilege to be with others, He in our midst. We, it seems to me, make our own walls. He passes through them……

5 comments:

  1. Glad you made it last night. I, too, enjoyed the conversation last night. Its great to have a group of men get together to discuss how Christ is meeting us in this book. Furthermore, it is wonderful to sit in communion with each other and discuss Him with no arguments. A true representation of the word "catholic" or universal and the Body of Christ.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Beyond other things that I found common between me and Father Barnes was his father's rejection of him following his talent in art. While my skills are quite obviously nothing near his, my dad also blocked my interests in it, wanting me to follow him as a welder or mechanic. Catch you later, my friend...

      Delete
  2. That sounds great!

    You had me chuckling with the cell phone comment. Speaking of "Anchors Aweigh," I finally added a new piece on my blog if you feel like taking a peek.

    Having played in bands and such in what seems like another lifetime, it seems to me that your dad's advice has some merit. There's nothing wrong with having a steady income. Life in the arts can be tough. On the other hand....

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Just left your site. You have me sitting here smiling, absolutely amazed and warmed by all you have done with a hot cup of coffee. You deserve a gallery somewhere, a book with some of your thoughts about the images you bring forth. I hesitate to say your teaching kids is anything less, believing that part of who you are bearing witness to an even greater scope of your inner you... and, on top of all, you speak of having "played in bands" in your past somewhere... I was very young when Dad vetoed my desire to pursue training with my doodling. Actually, his one request for me to take two years of Latin in high-school played a big part in where my life would go, that and my decision to take typing my senior year. Both guided the Navy in where they positioned me and, no doubt, kept me away from Viet Nam. I've never held regret regarding the path behind me, but often ponder much of the enigma as to how much was just staggering down the path and how much was His anchor-line tugging on the inside long before I ever realized He was there....

      Delete
    2. Just posted on my comment here to you, changing my remark about "no regret" somewhat. The post speaks for itself hopefully...

      Delete