The Other Side

Sixth Sunday of Ordinary Time; Luke 6:17, 20-26

You are blessed when people hate you, when they scorn and insult you and spurn your name as evil because of the Chosen One.

The polarization of opinions that pervades the entire globe right now is upsetting. Whether it is politics, religion, health care or sports, it is very difficult to have a conversation with someone without it turning into a shouting match. Either that, or we just don’t associate with anyone we know to be on “the other side.” Finger pointing abounds and I fear that if just one finger is lowered, the hand will become a fist.

What is most disconcerting is that we find people of faith engaged in a lot of the shouting and finger pointing. I should know; I’ve been one of them and could very easily be one again.

I am so glad that today’s Gospel brings up The Beatitudes. Once more, I hear in plain and clear language, how I am to conduct my life. And when I look in the mirror, I see a person who has, once again, failed to live that life.

It’s hard to live in a world of uncertainty. However, as an armchair historian, I know that uncertainty is the way the world exists and has always existed. Today’s insecurity appears to be somehow singular, but, in truth, is no worse than many other times in history. I may wish that it were different, but I have no control over events on the other side of the world, or on the other side of the country, or even on the other side of my city. Heck, I don’t even have control over what happens on the other side of my house!

So, I reflect once more on The Beatitudes and realize I need to readjust my outlook. It is not that I will stop resisting injustice or wrongdoing. I will stay informed and do whatever I can to assist those who are being abused and taken advantage of. If given an opportunity to be on the front line, I want to be there. But my attitude has to change from antagonization to love.

I can still speak truth and be loving and joyful. I don’t have to go to a gathering looking for a fight, but should go looking forward to being with people I know and admire. If issues arise, as well they might, I can put a smile on my face and say what I know to be true. And regardless of anyone’s reaction, I know I am blessed. And that brings me peace.

I wish with all my heart that the tensions in our world were not so intense. But they are what they are. Fighting it, complaining about it, or worrying about it is not a good use of my energy. I need to remember what the mystic Julian of Norwich said:

“Then none of us will be moved in any way to say, Lord, if only things had been different, all would have been well. Instead, we shall all proclaim in one voice, Beloved One, may you be blessed, because it is so: all is well.” *

I have light to share and love to proclaim. I am a follower of Jesus the Christ, and I want people to see only God’s love in my face, my words, and my actions.

Every Day.

* Julian of Norwich, The Showings: Uncovering the Face of the Feminine in Revelations of Divine Love, trans. Mirabai Starr (Charlottesville, VA: Hampton Roads, 2013, 2022)

© 2025 by Timothy J. Doppel

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