Creighton Spirituality Homily

Saint Paul provides an outline of what ought to be happening in Corinth with explanation of this theology of generous giving. He reflects upon the larger scale of relations between his Gentile churches and the mother church in Jerusalem that is in need. It asserts what we Christians believe: that we belong to one another, one another’s welfare is linked to ours, and our generosity is proof of our care. But Jesus takes his message even further. Our love for one another has to extend beyond our comfortable circle of friends, family, and acquaintances; it extends to those we once regarded as enemies. 

And you ask, “Is it really possible? Sometimes I cannot even get along with my family. In fact, some of my greatest hurts come from within my family, and some family members are estranged and I have no control over it. If I cannot get that right, how can I love my enemies?” T answer your question, Yes, it is possible, and it is a lot of work. 

Pope Francis took his name from Francis of Assisi because the grandeur of his love sought to embrace everyone. Both Francises strive to sow the seeds of peace, walk alongside the poor, the abandoned, the infirm and the outcast, and those to whom the sun rises and the rains fall. Both espouse the openness of heart that knows no boundaries and transcends differences of origin, nationality, color, or religion, or any other defining characteristic of a person that makes them vulnerable. 

Pope Francis gave to the Jesuits Four Universal Apostolic Preferences so that we enter into social friendships with those who are not our likely companions. We are stretched beyond our limits to bring greater glory to God, for each person has inherent worth and dignity to God. We are to likewise find and also provide that dignity to those we meet, to those who are estranged in our family, and to give it especially to those who have sinned against us and wronged us, and ultimately to give it to those who suffer. God created everyone equal in rights, duties, and dignity and has called us to live as siblings in God’s kingdom. 

Our faith asks us to be become, as Jesuits call themselves, “Friends in the Lord,” who remain open to social friendship and build corners of the world in which we reflect together in a genuine, respectful dialogue becoming enriched by the other and seeking common commitment. It means that we have to first see each other, to acknowledge one’s inherent dignity, to learn how to welcome and to provide positive regard to another person, and when we enter dialogue, we first breathe deeply, be exhaustive in our ways of learning to listen, and to acknowledge the deep suffering, both within ourselves, and the other person. It is by understanding someone else’s suffering that our hearts are moved and we want nothing more than to ease their burden, if just a little bit, to recognize the pain that one suffers silently. 

This is a graced moment of encounter that brings about our shared happiness, where the persons feels “seen, heard, and known” by us, and can place trust in our goodwill. This is the Magis, the deepening, of social friendship to which we are all called. 

You ask, “Is this dream possible?” Dreams are only achieved when we enter more fully into community, for no one can face life in isolation. A community supports us and helps us. As individuals, we risk seeing mirages, illusions, things that are not there; Dreams, on the other hand, are built together, and we depend upon each other to make these dreams come true. Let us dream then, as a single human family, as pilgrims living on earth in a common home, bringing the richness of our experiences and convictions to one another, each of us in our own voices, friends in the Lord. Let us build this dream together. 

O, I see I didn’t answer your question, “Is this dream possible?” Absolutely. I trust in you, but how do you answer? Is your heart and mind open enough to say, “Yes” to this invitation from our Lord? I think I know the answer, but I want to hear it from you.