2011 Sep 4, Sunday: Twenty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time
Ezekiel 33:7-9/Psalms 95:1-2, 6-7, 8-9/Romans 13:8-10/Matthew 18:15-20
In one university in the early seventies, conflicts among fraternities and organizations were prevalent. Not a year would pass when there would be no riots or clashes by the members. Worse, many of their members would end up severely injured and in some cases there would be death. I was a part time professor in that university and it so happened that the dean of our department was the Professor-Adviser of these recognized fraternities and organizations. When the tension among these groups had become worst, my dean decided to meet with all their leaders, representatives, and elders. He believed that bringing in law enforcers would just aggravate the situation. This one, he told me could only be resolved by dialogue.
He set the date, time, and venue of the meeting. Then, he gave me strict instructions to give each participant something to eat and drink as soon as they arrive. I remembered being so afraid and tense for that meeting. These were warring groups and it was very possible for them to attack each other once they meet. But my dean knew better. And he was right. As each arrive, I could sense their anger against their enemies. When they began eating, the anger was still written all over their face. They even would give sharp and threatening stares at each other. But I noticed that as they continued eating, they begin to lower down their guards. Next thing some were already talking about their differences. Others had even reconciled! By the time dessert was served,almost everyone is already in the mood for dialogue. That was the time when my dean adviser arrived. Needless to say, the meeting went well. Everyone was cooperative. They were even laughing when they went out.
So that was the point of my dean. There is nothing that can not be resolved by dialogue. The food and drinks helped a lot in disposing them for it. That is also the point of Jesus' in the Gospel today. Why go to court when you can resolve it between the two of you? If necessary, get somebody you trust to be a go between. As a last resort, do it before a community. Harmony is free. If everyone is willing to listen and make sacrifices, jails, criminal courts, and lawyers would be obsolete. In a Christian world, dialogue more than legal battles prevail. To be united is the rule rather than an exception. We just have to be always open to dialogue and forgiveness.
Ezekiel 33:7-9/Psalms 95:1-2, 6-7, 8-9/Romans 13:8-10/Matthew 18:15-20
In one university in the early seventies, conflicts among fraternities and organizations were prevalent. Not a year would pass when there would be no riots or clashes by the members. Worse, many of their members would end up severely injured and in some cases there would be death. I was a part time professor in that university and it so happened that the dean of our department was the Professor-Adviser of these recognized fraternities and organizations. When the tension among these groups had become worst, my dean decided to meet with all their leaders, representatives, and elders. He believed that bringing in law enforcers would just aggravate the situation. This one, he told me could only be resolved by dialogue.
He set the date, time, and venue of the meeting. Then, he gave me strict instructions to give each participant something to eat and drink as soon as they arrive. I remembered being so afraid and tense for that meeting. These were warring groups and it was very possible for them to attack each other once they meet. But my dean knew better. And he was right. As each arrive, I could sense their anger against their enemies. When they began eating, the anger was still written all over their face. They even would give sharp and threatening stares at each other. But I noticed that as they continued eating, they begin to lower down their guards. Next thing some were already talking about their differences. Others had even reconciled! By the time dessert was served,almost everyone is already in the mood for dialogue. That was the time when my dean adviser arrived. Needless to say, the meeting went well. Everyone was cooperative. They were even laughing when they went out.
So that was the point of my dean. There is nothing that can not be resolved by dialogue. The food and drinks helped a lot in disposing them for it. That is also the point of Jesus' in the Gospel today. Why go to court when you can resolve it between the two of you? If necessary, get somebody you trust to be a go between. As a last resort, do it before a community. Harmony is free. If everyone is willing to listen and make sacrifices, jails, criminal courts, and lawyers would be obsolete. In a Christian world, dialogue more than legal battles prevail. To be united is the rule rather than an exception. We just have to be always open to dialogue and forgiveness.
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