0
0
Meditation on Thursday, 2nd week of Advent, year C2
Whoever has ears, let him listen … In the modern world it is not that simple, because instead of ears we often only have headphones with music and we travel through our everyday life with them. We choose and create the soundtrack to our life and cut ourselves off from others. We don’t want to listen to anything or anyone who is at least a little beyond our worldview. And we have the opportunity to do so, because modern techniques allow us to make radical selections.
Believers hide in formulas – prayers, quotes, learned (or understandable …?) definitions in childhood. They always have the answer, with the flagship “God wanted it” at the forefront. Of course – not all of them. But majority. Unfortunately. I feel heartbroken when I hear – in the media, in discussions, in conversations – also those carried out on the street or in the store, when God God “wipes their mouths”, when they hide behind Him to justify their intolerance, xenophobia, lack of love . Misrepresenting the facts and living a lie to many believers is going quite well because… they don’t want to listen. They do not want to open up to another person – an atheist, gay, foreigner. They are firmly against them – they do not give a chance for dialogue.
But is it enough – these prayers and quotes? I do not think so. Because God is not waiting for chasubles and empty gestures, for beautiful recitations and impressive chants, for the richness and splendor of Polish churches, for all these “courtesy exchanges”. He is waiting for hot and open hearts, filled with love and mercy. For understanding. To lean over another person and to give each other good deeds.
The circle of believers is as tightly closed as the circle of atheists. It is difficult to find tabs in these circles, a space free from strong beliefs, places where a hesitant, undecided person could find a corner for himself. In their rationalism, atheists can be ruthless – sometimes they treat believers as overgrown children who still look for Santa with hope. Behind their backs, and sometimes straight in the eyes, they knock on the head, especially when it comes to pressing matters such as IVF or contraception.
Is there a chance for a dialogue? For understanding and respect? Certainly all of this is already taking place on many levels and in various forms, in communities and parishes. But what is still apparent at first glance is, unfortunately, hostility and disregard. Because everyone has their most suitable, best, single-wave headphones turned on, which they don’t want to turn off for nothing. And yet in this way we limit ourselves and our exploration of the world. We press our lips together, we press our way forward, making our way (more or less) with our elbows.
How about taking off these headphones for a moment, looking around and taking an atheist or a “mohair beret” by the arm? Smile, share warmth, listen without prejudice, respect? After all, we are all human, and in fact, life is all about one thing – love.
Whoever has ears should listen … And let him look kindly at least from time to time at someone who has different views or a controversial way of life.
Retreat Considerations
Number of views:
6
