Franciscan Fractal
Contemplating Today’s Culture through the Eyes of St. Francis & the Life of Christ
“Refuge Beyond Dualism”
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High,
abides under the shadow of the Almighty.
He shall say to the Lord,
“You are my refuge and my stronghold,
my God in whom I put my trust.”
Psalm 91:1-2
Why did the young Charlie Kirk hold such a dominant place among high school and college age students? Why did Tyler Robinson, another young person, seek to destroy him? While there may appear to be two competing sides to this tragic event, and despite the adherence or lack thereof to the term “Christian,” neither side represents the “way of the cross” as depicted by Jesus. When we attempt to parse out answers in terms of “either/or,” that is, in a “dualistic way” where one person is seen as “right” and the other “wrong,” we sadly miss the message taught by Jesus the Christ.
Christianity is all about inclusion. It is living a life that sees beyond dualism or thinking exclusively in terms of “right and wrong.” Jesus demonstrated that throughout his life. He preached about inviting the poor and outcast to the banquet table (Luke 14:15-24), welcoming the Samaritan woman at the well (John 4), and inviting the thief at the cross to join him in paradise (Luke 12:42). Jesus crossed societal norms and boundaries. The entire New Testament references a God who is always including and not making distinctions between who is “in” and who is “out,” and who is “right” and who is “wrong.”
When we think in terms of “right” and “wrong,” we end up on the end of a teeter-totter. We automatically swing into a position that feels superior to others, when we believe we are “right.” Conversely, to admit that we might be “wrong” puts us in an uncomfortable and untenable position that we wish to avoid. We fear that admitting being wrong makes us look weak and unintelligent, and we feel alone. Too often, our knee-jerk reaction is to find a way to regain credibility (and many times revenge). Honestly, admitting being “wrong” is embarrassing. Such an admission cuts to our core. We, like Adam and Eve, run away trying to cover ourselves and our embarrassment with unconvincing arguments.
As Israel wandered the desert for forty years, God gave Moses the Ten Commandments. The commandments may seem like a list of concrete definitions of “right and wrong,” but they were meant to be guidelines so that those who followed these practices could stay focused on a God who adheres only to love.
In time, the commandments were clarified. Jeremiah proclaimed their profound meaning. He stated, “I (God) will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.” (Jeremiah 31:31) The law that God placed in the heart of people is God’s own heart, that is, unconditional love for everyone.
One of the biggest traps of evil is to have a person talk and think in terms of a “dualism.” Through the revelation of God in the Trinity, God has taught us another way. God did not simply elect to be manifested in terms of God or Jesus or the Holy Spirit. Instead, God witnesses to us in terms of the number three. It is God the Creator AND Jesus Christ AND the Holy Spirit – all talking, listening, and loving as one.
Thinking and talking in terms of three in this way is to move beyond conflict and our confusing dualistic conversations – conversations that are undermining our nation. Instead of seeing dialogue as “me versus you,” it becomes, you and me and the voice of the missing person who is God. We need to ask, “What is God saying here?” Be careful if you find yourself taking any side besides God’s side. And, remember, God doesn’t recognize ideology or political parties.
The God who sustains all of life includes everyone. Inclusivity is always beyond dualistic thinking or thinking in terms of “either/or.” Our work is to make inclusion the visible face of God.
You and I may become overwhelmed by doing this work of inclusion while never knowing an exact outcome. We may become fatigued by the constant barrage of daily, disquieting news that never seems to allow for rest. However, in our struggle, we are reminded that our permanent shelter and resting place is in a God who alone provides a refuge and stronghold, even in the most unsettling of times and situations.
Prayers and Blessings,
Fr. John
