Viewpoints

During my little jaunt to Ohio a few weeks ago I was visiting with a relative, who now claims to be atheist.  He knew exactly the day and situation that he asked himself, "why am I doing this (Catholic ministries, church etc.)."  He explained it all in great detail, to him, very logically. My sister was suprised at how open my relative was but I believe it was my openness and love for him.

Of course, many things have occurred in this imperfect church and many have turned their backs on it; sometimes others have turned their backs on any church, not just Catholic. I have questioned why they "put up" with their challenges.  I certainly can't blame them when they choose alternate options. 

However, that also brings me to the word, "love", especially "...and the greatest of these is love." Other words get mixed into the equation such as anger, resentments, forgiveness, tolerance and patience but it seems to me that with love, we can come to the other things eventually.  

Many years ago a Lutheran acquaintance told me to "simply love" a relative whom I was concerned about.  It worked.  No words, no proselitizing, harping...nothing but "love him." My relative was certainly around a lot of love with us. 

I could have tried taking him down a road of logic, attempting to bring him to an obvious point of recognizing God but it must come from his own insides.  It is so challenging to use no words, only actions of love...listening, no arguments or rebuttals...a real attempt to see the other's viewpoint. 

So often we may attempt to argue and try  to get our point of view across.  I am guilty and have often been at fault in this realm. However, I also have been more apt to change my viewpoint after feeling heard rather than shamed.  Attitudes change in many ways, sometimes quickly, sometimes slowly.  Love gets us much further than rancor!