Conflict is part of life. So much of building trust in relationship, family, friends, parish or work is how we deal with conflict. It is impossible to build community without trust. We cannot build trust unless we learn how to handle conflict. Trust and conflict go hand in hand.  You have to be able to say what you think, respectfully, and hope for a respectful hearing. When Jesus instructs his apostles concerning conflict, he says first go to the other and talk to them. If they are unresponsive, take a friend so that there will be two persons. If the person is still unresponsive go to the church. If the person is still unresponsive treat them as a Gentile or tax collector, that is, with charity.

Conflict and Community: Necessary Partners

Generally, when we think of conflict, it is in our immediate family, place of work or friendships. We have a fundamental duty to be apostles of peace in our community. To be an “apostle” we must learn to speak truth respectfully. The sense of community is fraying in America because there appears to be little respectful public discourse. So much of our problems are rooted in how Americans handle conflict. Our politicians and fellow citizens on social media are bellicose, rude, loud and intolerant voices.  We seek to score points, not to listen. We seek the win at all costs. Even at the cost of continuing relationship.

Call to Action: Grow in understanding and faith

What can we do about it? The most important thing that we can do is to try to build the common bonds of community. We should be involved not only in our parish community, but also in our neighborhoods and larger community.  I want to invite you to consider being involved in our parish community. Today we are having sign ups out front of the parish church for various community activities.

• Bible Studies: There are bible studies. One is on the new testament letter of James. The other bible study is on the Books of Samuel in the Old Testament with particular reference to the person of King David.

• Catholic history: There are studies on the history of our faith based on important Catholic figures like G.K. Chesterton, John Henry Cardinal Newman and St. Francis. The group, lead by Fr. Calistus, will look at why these people are important to us and their historical situation.

• Young Adults: We are trying to start some small groups for young adults and are surveying the interest our 18-35 year old parishioners might have in meeting and discussing issues particular to people starting out in life.

• Spirituality:

  • TMIY: We have a group for men called That Man is You! It is a group about the spirituality of being a single man, husband, father and son. It is a great opportunity to connect with other men with the same or similar concerns that you have.

  • Wisdom and Works of Mercy: We have a group that studies Catholic spirituality that is called Wisdom and Works of Mercy. It is open to men and women of all ages.

Be the change that you want to see!

We take community for granted I think. We cannot build community without building the bonds of trust. Meeting with new people, listening to different perspectives, considering the call of faith is a strong basis on which to build a healthy community. In a healthy community we can have fruitful conflict that is good for our community. You can read the paper and ask, “Why doesn’t someone do something!” Perhaps you should ask, why don’t I do something. Consider these faith sharing groups as a place to make connections and build community. Be the change that you want to see in our country by changing our parish.