07-03-24

ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
July 3, 2024
Yesterday, during free time here at church camp, a group of youth were playing a ball game in a wooden pit. I watched for a while, and though I was beginning to understand the basics, I finally had to ask, “Will someone explain to me the rules?” A middle school youth, about my height, put his arm around me and, in a quiet but somewhat patronizing tone, began to walk me through the rules like I was three years old. I nodded and smiled, providing an occasional “interesting” to give the impression that I was genuinely engaged. As he concluded, he looked at me with all seriousness and asked, “Do you think you understand now?” I assured him that he had done an excellent job of explaining. I do not believe he meant to be condescending in any way, but the experience made me wonder, not if, but how often I do the same. Maybe there is something to learn from Jesus, who often answered a question with a clarifying question. Instead of thinking that I need to pontificate on the subject with depth and clarity, maybe the person asking the question might have been seeking illumination on something rather small and really didn't need everything else.

With every reminder to listen, O Merciful One, I pray for help in listening toward the goal of truly understanding what is being asked. Amen.