Scripture:
Acts 10:25-26, 34-35, 44-48
1 John 4:7-10
John 15:9-17
Reflection:
In truth, I see that God shows no partiality. Rather, in every nation whoever fears him and acts uprightly is acceptable to him. -Acts 10:34,35
This I command you: love one another. -John 15:17
Sometimes I get so confused. Every morning, when I turn on the radio, depending on what occurred in the previous news cycle, I’m told this nation is now our friend, that nation is now our enemy. Or even if we are not directly involved in a conflict, these people are now the bad guys, those people are now the good guys. Most days it’s too much for me to follow. So, like most humans, I start to make shortcuts. If they look like this, they are good; if they look like that, they are bad. Or if they think like this, or believe like that, or eat this food, or live on this continent, I can dismiss them. I make my judgments, not as God does, but as a human does, out of my own experiences, my own preconceived ideas, and prejudices.
Earlier in Acts, Peter is told in a vision, “What God has made clean, you are not to call profane.” Saint Paul in 1 Thessalonians says, “Test everything; retain what is good.” Often, I feel I’m quick to dismiss someone because they don’t fit my picture of what a good Christian looks like. I’m so afraid of some taint of uncleanliness that I don’t let them get close enough for me to gain an understanding and see what is good. But Scripture tells us that Jesus came so that all may be saved.
The Holy Spirit has been given to us as Comforter and Protector. We have been assured that with Her, we are safe. If I truly believe this, why should I fear coming close to anyone? Perhaps I may share something that draws them closer to God. Perhaps they have something to share that will deepen my own faith. We are called to share the Good News, but I can’t do this if I’m not first open to dialogue and conversation with others.
Today, my prayer is that I am open to dialogue with everyone God sends my way, letting the Holy Spirit guide my judgments instead of relying on my own narrow thoughts.
Talib Huff is a retired teacher and a member of the retreat team at Christ the King Passionist Retreat Center in Citrus Heights, California. You can contact him at [email protected].