Do you ever find it hard to be in relationship with someone different from you? I see people so easily doing this, and I also see people who won’t even consider it. I find myself somewhere in between. I am often distressed by my inability to wholeheartedly live as Christ in my own family, church, and friendships, much less in the wider world. Relationship requires a lot of letting go of self-illusion and control, and then risk-taking faith, and ultimately trusting in God’s grace.
I know the path I want to be on in life. The one Jesus walked. Where he let everyone know that they are loved, they belong, and their lives matter. The path that leads to inner freedom and beloved community. The path that is created with compassion and opens ever before us as we forgive. The path that leads to healing and joy and celebration of every soul.
In this Sunday’s gospel, Jesus is walking along and encounters a variety of people.* He meets each person where they are and invites them to experience the mercy of God. I hope I can leave whatever holds me back from the fullness of life when Jesus as to Matthew says, “Follow me.” I hope that I can sit and learn at the table where all are welcomed by Jesus. I hope I know when I need help as the grieving father or the woman in pain and have the humility and courage to seek it out. I hope that I like the little girl can awaken to new life.
Jesus is always inviting us to recovery and restoration as God’s one beloved creation. Messy relationships are where we participate in its revelation. Where we are invited to care for each other, be kind, exercise compassion, practice forgiveness, grow, heal, and bring that love to all those we encounter.
- Trish Stefanik, Overlook Retreat House at Dayspring
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Recently I was drawn back to a book I read decades ago, Addiction and Grace by Gerald G. May. May describes the universal human propensity to unhealthy attachments whether they be to the substances we typically call addictions or things like power and ideas. Healing and wellness come as we choose to act in harmony with divine will, a dance of human responsibility and spiritual surrender.
