"They Stopped Their Ears"

But they cried out with a loud voice and stopped their ears and rushed together upon him. (Acts 8:54-57).

The story is about St. Stephen, who had just finished an eloquent defense of the Christian faith with some harsh words for his audience—and a vision of the glorified Jesus. Apparently it was too much for the crowd, and they reacted just like…

Well, just like us.

This seems to be the procedure in 21^st-century America. If you don’t like someone’s point of view, stop your ears. Express your opinion more loudly. In extreme cases, respond with violence.

It’s reprehensible. It’s no way to create a better world. And if you’re like me, you want to blame the people on the “other side” of the political or religious spectrum for this state of affairs.

I don’t think it’s just “them.”

I have several old friends who fall into the “them” camp. When I prepare to see them again, my mind dredges up every theological argument I can find to bolster my position, whatever the issue.

But why? Maybe my friends have changed, and we can talk civilly about issues that once inflamed us. Maybe the issues won’t come up. Maybe they’re just visiting because they want to see their old friends. Why can’t I just accept them as they are?

Hospitality, that bedrock Benedictine value, demands that I do. How can I receive someone as Christ if I’m expending all my energy thwarting imaginary arguments?

May God grant us the ability to keep our ears open, our voices quiet and our hearts attuned to the other—for it is through the other that God so often comes to us.