FROM FR. JOHN: June 5, 2022

Our country and society seem to be becoming more divided and more hostile by the day, if not by the hour. As we see all this taking place, we certainly want to stand form in the truths of our faith and what God has revealed to us, but how do we do that in the face of a society that in so many ways doesn’t want to hear what we have to say? How do we enter into these dialogues and conversations?

The challenge arises in the ease that these types of conversations have to become very heated and/or emotional. In cases, like we see going on right now in our country with he debate about whether there is a right to abortion or not, both sides are very intimately connected with their side of the issue. Both sides feel very strongly about their beliefs and emotionally attached to the outcome. It may seem easier to avoid these hard types of conversations, but while it might be easier to do that, we lose some understanding and compassion when we go out of our way to avoid them completely.

When we engage with someone who doesn’t share out point of view or our understanding of the truth, whether it be about abortion, capital punishment, or any other issue that’s out there, the important thing is that we always approach it and them with respect. When either side starts yelling at each other and launches into personal attacks directed towards those who hold to the other point of view, no rational dialogue can occur. While we can’t separate ourselves from our emotions completely, our discussion is called to be based more on facts and reasons. Whenever we enter into a conversation too, we need to remember that it is an exchange and not a battle, it’s about sharing ideas, not about winning or losing. We should always end our conversations, even with those we don’t agree with with peaceful words, words of respect. That doesn’t mean we give into their side of things, especially when that side goes against our faith, but we can still, and we must, respect even those we disagree with.