Monday of the Twenty-fifth Week in Ordinary Time
As we begin our year of being Peaceful Disciples, we are called to take our faith into the world. Today’s readings brought to mind the Presupposition (often called the “plus sign”) that St. Ignatius shares in his Spiritual Exercises. A modern version of this teaching says: “For a good relationship to develop … a mutual respect is very necessary. … Every good Christian adopts a more positive acceptance of someone’s statement rather than a rejection of it out of hand. And so a favorable interpretation … should always be given to the other’s statement, and confusions should be cleared up with Christian understanding. (David Fleming, SJ, Draw Me Into Your Friendship)
What this entails is giving others the “benefit of the doubt”. When we are able to step back, listen with love and a non-judgmental attitude, then we are able to approach relationships (particularly those that are challenging) with grace. By refraining from immediate judgment and argument and allowing the other to express his or her opinions, we validate them as brothers and sisters. If we can approach others with this attitude of genuine respect and openness, then we give peace a chance to flourish in the midst of the most difficult relationships. It is then that we as Christians become lights for the world around us.
In the first reading from the book of Proverbs, the author gives instruction on how we are called to live a just life. We are invited to “quarrel not with a man without cause, with one who has done no harm.” In these recommendations, we are called to not stir up trouble. The author seems to be very aware of the tendency for people to jump to conclusions and easily convict others of wrongdoing. Instead of assuming the best, it seems to be a human tendency for us to suspect that the actions or words of others were meant to cause injury. The passage goes on to call us to live justly and in humility, since God blesses and show kindness to those who act in these ways. To be just in our situations with others involves avoidance of pre-judgment. When we can humbly allow others to share their opinions, we provide an opportunity for community to be built. When we are unsure about the intent of the statement or action, we can ask for further explanation. Once again this gives the other person an opportunity to be heard and respected. This may not result in a complete resolution to the discussion or disagreement, but it brings in a potential for a more peaceful resolution to a difficult situation.
In the gospel, Jesus talks to the crowd about “placing a lampstand, so that those who enter may see the light.” The “Plus sign” approach to relationships would certainly be a light for many of the interactions that occur within our daily lives. How often do people with differing ideas about politics, lifestyle, and even religious beliefs immediately cut off and condemn another person without even giving them a chance to be heard. Each of us is so different- we have different backgrounds and experiences. Our perception of this world is going to be different, since each of us is unique. As Christians, when we allow Christ to be the inner light that guides our thoughts and words, we can appreciate others as fellow brothers and sisters, by not allowing the differences to override the mutual connections that we share. It is very possible that those we encounter will not greet us with this same attitude of respect, openness or non-judgmental spirit. However, by rising above the fray of condemnation and quarreling we can be lights on the hilltop to help others see the value in a peace-filled approach to others.
This “Plus Sign” approach to relationships is not easy. To be able to live in this way, we need to begin with prayer as we allow Christ to lead us in our thoughts, words and actions. Trying not to be offended easily by others is challenging. Being rooted in Christ allows a person to know that they are His “beloved” and therefore the individual is better able to approach others’ comments and actions with less doubt and judgment. This does not mean that we allow others to “walk all over us”, but as Christians we can approach others with a willingness towards acceptance and working through disagreements towards a mutual respect. “Calling this standard the “plus sign” helps to drive the home the point that it has to be deliberately added to what we hear — the obligation is on the one hearing another to supply the better interpretation, not on the speaker to preemptively defend the statement.” (Sam Sawyer S.J. The Jesuit Post)
This is a very radical way of living, but like pebbles or stones thrown in the water we can send ripples of positive relationship-building to the world around us. This “Plus Sign” life style (“Assume the best and reconcile if needed.” Andy Otto) could be the just what our world needs to begin building bridges of peace.
"Heavenly Father, You gave us Your Son, Jesus, to show us how to be a light for others. Through the grace of Your Spirit, help us to always give others the “benefit of the doubt” and to refrain from judgment and anger. May our humble and loving ways be lights that shine for others to see, so all may know Your love and peace. We pray this through Christ our LORD. Amen."
- Marylynn Herchline