Speaking up (08/28/2024)

I am known for speaking to others I don’t know. My philosophy is that if I speak to them, I do come to know them. Some of my best relationships have started that way. My kids believe I would speak to a stump if it showed signs of life, but I think that is taking it too far. Seriously, though, why wouldn’t we speak to others?

Yesterday, I went for a haircut. I spoke to the 5th grader who was waiting for her ride. She looked wonderful. She was so pleased that I noticed. I assured her that her school pictures today would be outstanding. She smiled broadly. And I spoke to the teen I’d had in a class a few years back; I am looking forward to teaching him again this year for Confirmation. At the grocery store, on my way home, I spoke to the butcher. He was somewhat taken back when I asked his name. But I noticed that the next person who came to the meat department was greeted with, “Hi, my name is Cory, let me know if you need any help.” Made me smile as I ease-dropped.

We are called, I believe, to journey together, to support one another as best we can through exchanges of loving kindness. I remember as a child in Catholic School learning about the early Christians and how many conversions flowed from the way the Christians treated others. “See how they love one another.” What would happen to our communities if all we believers started acting that way daily? Would there be a new wave of conversions? Would our society as a whole change because of the leaven of faith, hope and love lived out loud daily within it?

Isolation is becoming a real problem in our modern world. There are individuals who rarely have a social exchange with another in person. We can technically survive remotely. But we weren’t created for “remotely.” We were created in relationship, for relationship. We were created from love for love – love of our LORD and love for one another. How can we love another person whom we don’t know? At best, I believe, we can “not hate” another we don’t know, but can we truly love them?

One of my favorite times is after church when the folks in attendance linger on the sidewalk to talk. I wish everyone in attendance did, but the ones who do linger light up. Smiles are as abundant as fireflies on a clear summer night. I am especially touched by the realization that these individuals got the point of the moment – we come together as the Body of Christ and be the living Body of Christ in the world. Christ sees us. Christ died for each and every one of us. Christ calls us to love one another as we ourselves wish to be loved. Standing for a few minutes after church to check on another, to greet another, to offer to help another, to support another, isn’t that what we are called to do? Isn’t that who we are called to be?

As we continue our journeys of faith, let us let the love we hold for our LORD and for all our sisters and brothers rise up into conversations with one another. Let us speak up. Let us speak to one another. Let us live out loud who we are called to be and all that we believe.

Until tomorrow, let us all love well.