Sometimes it is easy for a person to bring closure quickly to things, rather than wait in
order to be sure. We see Jesus in St. Mark’s Gospel not wanting the people to broadcast
that he was the long awaited messiah when he performed a miracle. Scripture scholars
refer to this caution in Jesus to proclaim his identity as the “messianic secret.”
One of the gifts of the “synodality movement” is not only to have the opportunity to
express one’s thoughts and feelings in a group, but to put these thoughts and feelings
aside so that one can truly listen to what others are communicating. If Christ is present
“where two or more are gathered in his name”, his Spirit will allow them to take what has
been expressed into consideration, along with incorporating tradition and their
responsibility for the future. When no course of action seems possible, then maybe “a
wait and see response” is the best solution at the time, given no prophetic proclamations.
In an age of polarization in which name calling has become an “art,” what is certain for the
Christian is that we love God and love our neighbor as ourselves.
- Do you have a tendency to make important decisions very quickly?
- Are you open to input from others before you decide on a course of action?
- Is it hard for you to listen to others when their ideas are different from yours?
O God, guide me in the process of making life decisions.