Dialogue

“I cannot ever tire of encouraging you to dialogue fearlessly.”

Pope Francis (1936- )

Of all the words Pope Francis spoke during a visit to the United States, these are the ones I remember. They were spoken to church leaders, but I believe they need to be heard by all of us.

We must never stop talking to each other! Especially when we disagree. Never stop! Never! The only alternative to real, sincere dialogue, is, in the words of a commentator on the pope’s words, “to circle the wagons and wait for the end of the world.” (Masssimo Fagioli, quoted in the National Cath. Reporter) Dialogue or war!

Elsewhere I’ve written: “I would like to make a recommendation to the world: Establish a “Permanent Board of Dialogue” … with chapters in every world capitol as well as in every local church, school, and organization, as a place to go when opponents cannot seem reach an agreement; a place that has a social hall for lunch and parties and maybe baby-sitting, and for sitting down with each other over a cup of tea.” (Coming To: A Biomythography)

Maybe this week make “dialogue” the word you spend some time with in your quiet moments … and see where that might lead.

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