by Sr. Doreen, SSJD
“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” (John 1:5)
Maya Angelou, an American author, poet, and civil rights activist wrote: “We all should know that diversity makes for a rich tapestry, and we must understand that all the threads of the tapestry are equal in value no matter what their colour.”
I took this picture while on holiday a year ago and have used it in my own Visio Divina. It is the perfect reflection of what is real in the water, and for me has been an opportunity to ponder the unity in the picture, and the unity that one longs for in oneself and in life with others and in our world. It reminds me of the bible quote in James 1:19 as he admonishes his people to live in unity, to get along, and encourages them to be “quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry.”
As we journey through Advent this year, it seems to be that one of the important challenges that we are called to is to find our way to unity in divisive times. Pondering this I can hear Jesus saying, “if you do not gather with me, you scatter” (Matthew 12:30)
In Norah Lofts book “How Far to Bethlehem” there is a very poignant meeting when reaching Edessa, sagging in tiredness, on exhausted camels – both animals and Melchior and Kaspar looking utterly exhausted. They were greeted by Balthazar who had dreamed of meeting those who followed a star. “He ran forward with all joy, the incredible excitement of one who finds a dream translated into fact. ‘You are those I have been seeking!’ he cried, in his weightless tenor voice. ‘You follow a star. I beg you, take me with you!’ They looked at him with blank, uncomprehending faces. His enthusiasm and excitement overwhelmed them. And of all the bad moments in his life, for Balthazar that was quite the worst.” Deep disappointment, utter misunderstanding, a real letdown. The following dialogue in the novel wades through all sorts of divisive considerations of race, colour, status as they confront Balthazar’s request, until finally in their conversation and dialogue they begin to discover that the diversity, the gifts that might be brought to their journey by accepting Balthazar as a companion might enable and enhance both them and their successful reaching of their destination. Balthazar was an accountant and business organizer with the gift of many languages before being captured as a slave. While the addition of a third party to their journey brought the inevitable discord, they also discovered that however different in character, they could, unless they were unreasonable, come to terms.
My friends, on this Advent journey of growing in unity in the midst of diversity or division, I began to think of the true value of hospitality. Of choosing to greet others as Christ, of not asking them to conform to my ideas or expectations but to show up in the fullness of their very selves. In Charles Mackesy book ‘The Boy, the Mole, The Fox and the Horse’ there is a heart stopping true comment in the conversation between the Boy and the Mole: “I’m so small,” said the Mole. “Yes”, said the Boy. “But you make a huge difference.” They go on in their conversation to say: “What do you think is the biggest waste of time?” “Comparing yourself to others”. “I wish there was a school of unlearning. Most of the old moles I know wish they had listened less to their fears and more to their dreams.”
On this Advent journey of unity in diversity and of divisiveness, beginning to understand that diversity is one of the most important elements of community, a place where cultural appreciation and conversation is so important, can be one of the strengths that builds unity. It allows us to recognize our differences as a good thing, becoming a catalyst for understanding and empathy. Viewing things from another’s point of view also opens up doors to new opportunities, opportunities that sometimes seem much more attainable. It is the simple things, and the simple things are nearly always the most difficult of things, that lie at the heart of unity! It is listening, deep listening to understand, to empathize, combined with love and humbleness that can help create the atmosphere where unity can live in the midst of divisiveness. We are all different and hold different points of view – but held within these simple things – I believe that it is possible to live together with differences, and to be held together in unity.
“Goodness is stronger than evil; Love is stronger than hate; Light is stronger than darkness; Life is stronger than death; Victory is ours through Him who loves us.” (DESMOND TUTU)
We need to put down our weapons (our fears, our discouragements, our feelings of inadequacy, our ideas of them and us) as we seek harmony in our differences. We need to surrender our need to be right at the table of fellowship and hospitality. There are undeniably occasions when we need to stand our ground, but let these occasions be a reminder to us that we are called to love people first and foremost, not rules, customs, traditions. Unity is fragile, so much so that without determined intentionality to build and nourish it, disunity springs up like weeds in a garden. On our Advent journey, it is my deep desire for the unity that one longs for in oneself and in life with others and in our world.
This hymn prayer mirrors my deep desire – taken from the hymn book Gather #833 written by Ruth Duck;
“Diverse in culture, nature, race we come together by your grace.
God let us be a meeting place where hope and healing love are found.
God let us be a bridge of care connecting people every where.
Help us confront all fear and hate and lust for power that separate.
When chasms widen, storms arise, O Holy Spirit, make us wise.
Let our resolve, like steel, be strong to stand with those who suffer wrong.
God, let us be a table spread with gifts of love and broken bread.
Where all find welcome, grace attends, and enemies arise as friends.”
