Strangers become family
At his nomination for the presidency Abraham Lincoln gave what has become known as “The House Divided Speech.” He began with the following words: “A house divided against itself, cannot stand. I believe this government cannot endure permanently half slave and half free. I do not expect the Union to be dissolved — I do not expect the house to fall — but I do expect it will cease to be divided.” The “house divided cannot stand” part of this speech is taken from the teaching of Jesus. It is so important that it is quoted in three of the Four Gospels, Matthew, Mark, and Luke.
Last weekend we celebrated Mass together as a Family of Parishes. We now gather under the title “Mary, Queen of All Saints.” Now we must begin the work of forming the many into one, while, at the same time, preserving the mission, dignity, character, and life of our unique communities. I think Mary, Queen of All Saints is a good patron to have because, while the Blessed Virgin is Queen and Mother of all the saints, as well as the apostles and disciples, she does not replace them. Rather, she encourages, accompanies, supports, and intercedes for them. Their mission remains necessary, unique, and essential. As parishes and communities belonging to a family, we can be different, unique, but we cannot afford to be divided. A house divided cannot stand.
So where do we go from here? Interestingly, Lincoln had something to say about that also. When considering his run for the presidency Lincoln was faced with the prospect of forming and leading a new party. His advice to his companions and promoters was as follows: “If we could first know where we are going and whither we are tending, we could then better judge what to do and how to do it.” To move forward we must first have a plan, a map, truly a vision. That vision should be big, bold, passionate. It should be passionate enough to attract people to it so that they want to be part of it. Can we do that? Can we formulate, articulate, and create such a vision? Can we bring to life a vision of hope, a vision of faith, a vision of compassion, solidarity, and love? Maintaining what we have is too small a vision – God expects more, and we need more. How we do that – well that’s our challenge. If we can envision where we are going, then, we can work out how to get there – together.
Jesus gives us some good advice as we begin our journey: Love God and love your neighbor as yourself. There will be many suggestions of what we should do, good ideas and maybe not so good. Quick fixes and slow deaths! I would like us to keep in mind that we should only ask of others what we would want them to ask of us. We should ask each other to do what we would be willing to do ourselves. Jesus asks us to first love one another and from love move forward. Jesus asks us to care for each other even though we might be strangers. The good Samaritan cared for a stranger and treated him as a friend, a brother, a sister, a member of his family. To be honest all families do this every day – a child is born and in that moment a stranger becomes the center of the family; a son or daughter marries, and a stranger becomes a son or daughter. That’s life! And how good it is! We are not strangers – we are family and families take care of each other. How do they do it? They find a way. Now, let’s find our way!