Knowing how to dialogue: Dialogue is not argument, it is not quarreling, it is not imposing my opinion over another’s, it is not winning more votes for my proposal. We normally argue in defense of our opinions. What is good is to go together in search of the truth.
I think this because following the Pope’s speech in Parliament, everyone—except four people—applauded for 7 minutes. And it struck me, because the people who do not want to welcome immigrants, faced with the Pope’s position defending welcome for all, they—against it—but they applauded him. The same happened with the politicians who defend euthanasia and abortion, yet they applauded him strongly. Either they did not understand or they were dissimulating.
What are Sánchez and 14 ministers doing at the Pope’s Mass in the Sagrada Familia? Moncloa justifies it by the “cultural character” of the event.
When the Pope receives so much applause, we do not usually look at and reflect deeply on what he says, but rather the atmosphere, the festivity, the crowd sweeps us along and we end up letting ourselves be carried by the multitude. I believe it is important THAT WE BE SINCERE, that we know how to win and lose. What matters is not getting my way, but finding among us all the underlying truth. The applause sweeps us along. We lack analysis and the ability to express our opinion.
I missed in the Pope’s words on coexistence a radical conversion, personal and social, a warmer impulse from the Gospel and from Jesus. What can that lead us to conversion? Well, I believe that speeches remain superficial if they do not lead us to conversion in Jesus. And the “wealth” of the cathedral: how can we connect it with the poor Jesus?
Wonderful the organization, wonderful the Pope’s speeches, wonderful the people welcoming and applauding, but I am left with a pending question (so much expense!!) Have we reflected deeply on the Message and the person of Jesus? Have we converted?
We will see it unfold in the course of history, in unity and understanding, in forgiveness, in oneness, in political understanding. It will be a giant step in our faith.
Gerardo Villar