ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
July 10, 2025
I know we can often complicate things more than necessary, but I also believe that other things are more complicated than some people try to make them. I was recently in a conversation about the Middle East and the ongoing violence in Gaza. This person said, “Well, if they would only…” and then proceeded to present a rather simplistic solution as if this was similar to two siblings fighting over the last cookie. I so wish we could ignore a few thousand years of animosity, distrust, and violence. As people of faith, we might say that love is the answer as it was the go-to answer for Jesus, but for love to bring healing, there needs to be confession, contrition, repentance, and often a lot of time for healing to begin moving the two sides toward a place of trust. This is not only true of international conflicts but injuries caused between two individuals. There are times when the wound is too deep, and acting as if it can be mended with a quick apology is to ignore what has really occurred. Whether it is two people, two communities, or two nations, the work of reconciliation requires everyone to understand the quick and simple answers won’t make any progress.
Holy One, allow us the capacity to appreciate and learn from your persistent patience. You have been willing to give whatever is necessary to bring us to the Good News of your reconciling power. Amen.
