Anything Goes … Not!

Dear friends on the journey,

The increased usage of phrases like you do you; live and let live; whatever makes you happy; anything goes; I’m spiritual, not religious; or all’s fair in love and war, suggests that our 21st century mentality is prioritizing the individual over community and personal desires over the common good. While there is merit in celebrating individuality, the danger is doing so to the point where self-reliance, isolation, and no rules, accountability, care for others leads to tunnel vision, blindness, misunderstanding and even chaos.

Today’s readings state that not every way of living, most especially the “you do you” life, is acceptable for Christian discipleship. Jesus’ way, his message, draws a very clear line in the sand for what it acceptable. Today’s readings illustrate the better way of living.

What does this consist of? Well, namely, living in community and relationship with one another. Where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them. (Mt 18:20). God is always ever present and at center of our relationships and communities and in God-centered relationships, love is at the center as the binding force, the guide, the goal. In Romans, Paul is reminding us that simply not breaking the commandments is not the way. Avoidance of wrongdoing is not sufficient. He says you shall love your neighbor as yourself (Romans 13:9). Active love is:

•proactive 
•anonymous
• patience and kindness when you just want to shout
• letting go of the need to be right and first
• forgiving the undeserved
• inclusive
• celebrating others’ successes
• humility
• the corporal and spiritual works of mercy
• giving sacrificially, not from our excess
• sometimes inconvenient
• being vulnerable
• uncomfortable
• addressing conflict sooner rather than later
• honesty
• listening
• responding rather than reacting
• making decisions for what is best for the good of the many
• voting and advocating for justice on behalf of the poor and marginalized

​I’m reminded and challenged by St. Gregory the Great’s words, “The proof of love is in the works. Where love exists, it works great things. But when it ceases to act, it ceases to exist.” Everything goes when love is given and experienced through action, not just intention, in community and relationship with our neighbors, known and unknown

To whom or where might God be calling you to love more or better right now?


Siempre Adelante,

​
Teresa Runyon
Pastoral Associate

---