Listen and Love

12Sep
‘But I say to you that listen, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. If anyone strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also; and from anyone who takes away your coat do not withhold even your shirt. Give to everyone who begs from you; and if anyone takes away your goods, do not ask for them again. Do to others as you would have them do to you.

‘If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. If you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. If you lend to those from whom you hope to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to receive as much again. But love your enemies, do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return. Your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High; for he is kind to the ungrateful and the wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.

‘Do not judge, and you will not be judged; do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven; give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap; for the measure you give will be the measure you get back.’
-Luke 6:27-38


This week we began a new Education for Ministry seminar. In our opening essay, we read a passage that I think gets to the heart of this reading. “Truth is not a possession to master, but a relationship to build and hold.” The author further explains that the Greek word for truth (aletheia) has a living quality that means unveiling that which had been undisclosed. If we try to possess her, she disappears.

 

So then, isn’t it the better part of wisdom to listen and love rather than judge and condemn? And yet, I have a difficult time doing that in my interactions with with my own loved ones - let alone those with whom I vehemently disagree on religious, political, or societal issues. This is a truth that I - and maybe all of us - must face from time to time. 


The author reminds us that “Facing truth requires courage, community and commitment.” And maybe a few new skills. The Enneagram symbol gives us a map of at least nine perspectives we humans embody as we attempt to face reality and see the truth.


A few years ago, Paul Weber gave me a wonderful gift at our Christmas party. (The rule is - you have to buy the gift at rummage.) He fashioned a clock (photo above), replacing the usual clock face with an Enneagram symbol and this inscription. “Let’s listen for possibility; not to agree or disagree.” I love the idea that if we listen closely to one another, little glimmers of truth will emerge. I can almost see the truth of it! But the practice of it still escapes me more often than I want to admit. For that I need mercy and forgiveness.


Musical Reflection - Love's in Need of Love Today - Stevie Wonder


Gracious God, help me to remember that your world comes in living color. Not simply black or white, right or wrong. Give me an open mind, a curious heart and a generous spirit to listen and love. Amen.

Love

Posted by Maria Elliott

Maria Elliott has been Trinity since 1994, first as a parishioner and then for sixteen years establishing the office of stewardship and development, and currently as the Director of Pastoral Care and Spiritual Life. 

WIth a degree in Music and Business from Drake University in her native state of Iowa, Maria went first to New York to work for a concert artist management and then for the Arts department at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine.  At the Cathedral, Maria was confirmed, met and married her husband, The Reverend Michael Kuhn, and began an accidental career in the Episcopal Church. She has served on the Diocesan Stewardship Committee, the boards of The Episcopal Network for Stewardship and the Consortium of Endowed Episcopal Parishes, as a Stephen Minister, and currently Education for Ministry Mentor.

Maria’s interests include playing the oboe in the New Orleans Civic Symphony and she is currently training to be a Narrative Enneagram mentor. Her daughters, Hallie Wilkins and Sophie Bedaña are Trinity School alumni. Maria has two grandchildren, Celeste and Alden Wilkins.

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