My father loved to mix with other people at the grocery store, the gas station, in his dental practice, and in his social life. Differences didn't seem to matter. His many friends and acquaintances included a broad range of people from a variety of ethnic and religious backgrounds.
The example Dad set is especially helpful and meaningful to me as a priest today. One of the challenges of this Jubilee Year is reconciling not only within Christian circles, but also between Christians and members of other faiths.
Building meaningful relationships based on understanding and trust can be difficult. We begin to know each other better by focusing on our similarities. Full reconciliation, however, requires deeper trust.
We nurture such trust by reminding ourselves that wherever we go, the Holy Spirit precedes us in our encounters with others. With God's help we can do more than reinforce what unites us. We can overcome what separates us.
Please know that your prayers and generosity inspire the Jesuits of the Upper Midwest and Great Plains in our efforts to promote healing and reconciliation among all God's people. We are grateful and remember you daily in our prayers and Masses.
