TCR Musings
I think what I've learned in all of this through the years is what the Imitation (next to the Word my mainstay, with Padre Pio's letters) told us all along: don't expect too much from others, cover in one's heart for their faults, knowing that we too are just as human as anyone and just as desperately in need of the grace of God, minute by minute.
If we have to part over serious differences which lead to futility and endless clashes, it doesn't mean we have to despise the other, anymore than we would wish to be despised. St. Paul explicitly urges avoiding contention. It simply means we've reached the end of the conversation.
If we take the point of view of the Imitation we can never be disappointed, we are free in every storm and wind---though it is sometimes painful for all concerned---so long as we don't get vain, arrogant and unwilling to forgive and forget, or think we are "better" than the other.
Again, we all do our best, out of our own wounds and blindpots which are unique to each of us. Show me a person without wounds and blindspots and I will show you a robot.
We must tell the truth as we see it, after listening carefully to the other sides. There is no getting around that. Benedict just called secular culture "hypocritical" (strong language) and he will not be forgiven by many for telling the truth. But his imperturbability ever amazes me. There is a deep spirituality in him. You get the impression he loves all, though he knows precisely where to draw lines.
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