Meaningful conversation

A particularly narrow variety of Christianity was in the news recently: a theology and style of Christianity that sees everything, from Scripture to politics, through the lens of a specific ethnicity and ideology. A prominent preacher and proponent of that theology once shouted down an attempt to ask him about that theology unless the questioner had read books by the preacher’s favorite theologians.

An explanation was later given that a meaningful conversation could not be had about that theology unless a common language and frame of reference had first been established.

That explanation sounds reasonable, but it is specious.

It is also contrary to what the Apostles of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ did in today’s first reading (Acts 2:1-11).

The Apostles did not let differences in ethnicity or language or background stand as obstacles to their preaching the Gospel of Christ: they boldly spoke “as the Spirit enabled them to proclaim” and in turn the Holy Spirit enabled people to understand, no matter their background or language.

And suddenly there came from the sky
a noise like a strong driving wind,
and it filled the entire house in which they were.

Then there appeared to them tongues as of fire,
which parted and came to rest on each one of them.

And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit
and began to speak in different tongues,
as the Spirit enabled them to proclaim.

Now there were devout Jews
from every nation under heaven
staying in Jerusalem.
At this sound, they gathered in a large crowd,
but they were confused
because each one heard them
speaking in his own language.

They were astounded, and in amazement they asked,
“Are not all these people who are speaking Galileans?
Then how does each of us hear them
in his native language?
We are Parthians, Medes, and Elamites,
inhabitants of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia,
Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia,
Egypt and the districts of Libya near Cyrene,
as well as travelers from Rome,
both Jews and converts to Judaism, Cretans and Arabs,
yet we hear them speaking in our own tongues
of the mighty acts of God.”

Yes, there are many differences among people in this world – differences in ideology, ethnicity, history, culture, language, and so many more things.

Yes, we should be charitable and respectful of every child of God - even when what they say and do is wrong and must be opposed.

Yes, we should prudently learn about the differences among us - while holding fast to the one Truth that comes from the one and only Creator of all things.

But we cannot – we dare not – evade the mission given us nor avoid speaking the Truth nor stifle the Holy Spirit of God out of political correctness, hypersensitivity, or fear.

Like the Apostles, we must pray always for the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Like the Apostles, we must speak the truth boldly as the Spirit enables us to proclaim it.

Like the Apostles, we must rely on the Holy Spirit to use our words to speak directly to the hearts of those who hear us.

Indeed, it is the Holy Spirit speaking directly to the hearts of men, women, and children that is the most meaningful conversation of all.

Send forth Thy Spirit and they shall be created
And Thou shalt renew the face of the earth.