Here at the beginning of the month of June, we are entering the season of reunions… school reunions, family reunions, company picnics and golf tournaments that include the retirees. Weddings can have a reunion feeling as family members and classmates who have not seen each other for a long time come together to celebrate. Reunions can remind us of our core identity. And when we enter into the reunion with a sense of curiosity, we can name the current reality of those with whom we share a history. These stories are key to sharing perspectives and in creating a sense of shared values of the group. In her book, Dakota, author Kathleen Norris writes about the “Holy Use of Gossip.” Rather than seeing gossip as vengeful and destructive, Norris suggests that “gossip is theology translated into experience.” Gossip can show us what is expected, who is seeing us as we are, and can share the wisdom of those who have gone before us. Gossip can also help us create clear, objective criteria for making decisions.
Kathleen Norris’ insights on gossip came to mind as I read today’s gospel from Mark. We can safely assume the Pharisees and Herodians who were sent to ensnare Jesus in his speech had been engaging in some mean-spirited gossip. They believe the question of paying the census tax will be the perfect trap. Jesus does not fall for their ploy but rather asks them about the image of Ceasar on the coin. He simply states: “Repay to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God.” This clarifying guidepost has been so helpful to me, especially in the past several turbulent years. When I get demoralized about decisions made by people in power, I can hear Jesus remind me to “give to God what belongs to God.” Like a trusted friend at a reunion, Jesus helps me reorient my attention to what truly matters and empowers me to continue to strive for justice and dignity for all.
In the first reading, Peter reinforces this resolve as we read: be on your guard not to be led into the error of the unprincipled and to fall from your own stability. But grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and savior Jesus Christ. To him, be glory now and to the day of eternity. The phrase the error of the unprincipled is a reminder to stay true to our faith and the guiding principles of Catholic Social Teaching. What can feel so overwhelming can become so clear when we focus on what is good and true.
Today I pray for the grace to be curious about the stories people tell. How can I support people sharing what is truly important to them? When I find myself being seduced by malicious gossip, I pray for the strength to redirect the conversation to a more productive place. I pray to feel compassion for those laying traps and those falling for the traps. And I ask Jesus to support me every day to give to God what belongs to God.
In every age, O Lord, you have been our refuge.
Mary Lee Brock
Here at Creighton University, I serve as the Director of the Negotiation and Conflict Resolution (NCR) program and as an Assistant Professor in the Heider College of Business. The mission of the NCR program is to prepare agents of social change to engage and resolve conflict effectively, efficiently and humanely. As a conflict engagement educator, facilitator and conflict coach, I encourage individuals and groups to develop conflict competency essential to personal, professional and community growth.
Being in community with others is where my faith grows and where I am encouraged to love and serve others. My life is blessed with a loving family, loyal friends and the occasional rough patch to keep it real. The online ministry community is rich, far flung faith sharing community of which I am honored to be a member.
