Daily Retreat 06/26/07
2007 Jun 26 Tue
Gn 13:2. 5-18/Ps 14(15):2-3a. 3bc-4ab. 5/Mt 7:6. 12-14
From today's readings: "Let there be no strife between you and me, or between your herdsmen and mine, for we are kinsmen.... He who does justice will live in the presence of the Lord.... How narrow the gate and constricted the road that leads to life - and those who find it are few!"
Getting Along
Occasional strife and conflicts are inevitable in family life - how the family resolves the tensions determines whether the family stays together or breaks apart. In the first reading, because "there were quarrels between the herdsmen of Abram's livestock and those of Lot's," Abraham took the initiative in proposing a plan of "giving each other space," as we would say today.
In making his proposal, Abraham went out of his way to make sure his nephew Lot would be happy with the arrangements. But even though he forfeited the first choice, Abraham did not come up short - indeed, after reading chapter 14 (which is not covered in the lectionary), it will be clear how Abraham's situation was soon better by a lot than Lot's lot.
Too often, sensible ideas for preserving family peace are simply rejected because one party figures that he's getting less or paying more than other members. But Abraham's example encourages us to take the initiative in cultivating generosity and family harmony, even when that means settling for a bit less at times.
Gn 13:2. 5-18/Ps 14(15):2-3a. 3bc-4ab. 5/Mt 7:6. 12-14
From today's readings: "Let there be no strife between you and me, or between your herdsmen and mine, for we are kinsmen.... He who does justice will live in the presence of the Lord.... How narrow the gate and constricted the road that leads to life - and those who find it are few!"
Getting Along
Occasional strife and conflicts are inevitable in family life - how the family resolves the tensions determines whether the family stays together or breaks apart. In the first reading, because "there were quarrels between the herdsmen of Abram's livestock and those of Lot's," Abraham took the initiative in proposing a plan of "giving each other space," as we would say today.
In making his proposal, Abraham went out of his way to make sure his nephew Lot would be happy with the arrangements. But even though he forfeited the first choice, Abraham did not come up short - indeed, after reading chapter 14 (which is not covered in the lectionary), it will be clear how Abraham's situation was soon better by a lot than Lot's lot.
Too often, sensible ideas for preserving family peace are simply rejected because one party figures that he's getting less or paying more than other members. But Abraham's example encourages us to take the initiative in cultivating generosity and family harmony, even when that means settling for a bit less at times.
posted by FrPitstick | 6/25/2007
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