Balancing Act in Time of Conflict
Jesus said to his disciples: "If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have won over your brother. If he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, so that every fact may be established on the testimony of two or three witnesses. If he refuses to listen to them, tell the Church. (Matthew 18:15-17a)
We are living in and witnessing a critical time of our world, a time when powerful voices are continually raised about individual freedoms, individual rights and civil liberties. May we never forget that these individual rights must be balanced with living in community with others and caring for the common good. Living in community is difficult because communities are filled with individualism. If our individual freedoms and our sense of belonging to community are out of balance, it produces strife and conflict. This has always been true. It has been true since human life began. God gave us laws and commandments not to impose burdens and impossible standards on us. He established them so, if following them closely, we can live in peace and harmony. St. Francis de Sales’ wisdom can help us how to cultivate this balance in time of conflict. He said, “Be as gentle always as possible; and remember that you will catch more flies with a spoonful of honey than with a hundred barrels of vinegar. Such is the nature of the human mind; it rebels against severity, but gentleness renders it amenable to everything. A soft word appeases anger, as water extinguishes fire. No soul so ungrateful, but kindness can make it bear fruit. To speak truths sweetly is to throw burning coals, or rather roses, into a person's face. How can anyone be angry with another who fights him with pearls and diamonds?”-St. Francis de Sales.
Wherever you are right now, let us pause and voice our petitions to the Lord who is the Prince of Peace. May He hear and answer our prayers.
For an end to the violence perpetrated by harsh words, deadly weapons, or cold indifference. May our homes, our nation, and countries around the world become havens of peace.
Hail Mary full of grace… Mary Queen of Peace, pray for us.
For the grace to see every human being as a child of God, regardless of race, language or culture.
Hail Mary full of grace… Mary Queen of Peace, pray for us.
For the wisdom to receive the stories and experiences of those different from ourselves and to respond with respect.
Hail Mary full of grace… Mary Queen of Peace, pray for us.
For the strength to teach our children how to resolve differences non-violently and respectfully, and the courage to model it in our own behavior.
Hail Mary full of grace… Mary Queen of Peace, pray for us.
For our faith community, that we may respond boldly to the Holy Spirit's call to act together to end violence and racism.
Hail Mary full of grace… Mary Queen of Peace, pray for us.
For healing and justice for all those who have experienced violence and racism.
Hail Mary full of grace… Mary Queen of Peace, pray for us.
For the protection of all police and first responders who risk their lives daily to ensure our safety; for fair and just policing that will promote peace and wellbeing in all our neighborhoods.
Hail Mary full of grace… Mary Queen of Peace, pray for us.
For our public officials, that they will strive to work for fair education, adequate housing, and equal opportunities for employment for all.
Hail Mary full of grace… Mary Queen of Peace, pray for us.
For the courage to have difficult conversations about racism, and for a better appreciation of how our words and actions – or even our silence – can impact our communities.
Hail Mary full of grace… Mary Queen of Peace, pray for us.
For solidarity in our global human family, that we may work together to protect those who are most vulnerable and most in need. (USCCB Universal Prayers)
Hail Mary full of grace… Mary Queen of Peace, pray for us.
Peace in Christ,
Father Vincent Vuong Nguyen