Jesus tells us that we must engage when a conflict arises. Kevin Lee, SJ reflects on how the Ignatian Presupposition can give us guidance on how to engage. Based on the readings for the 23rd Sunday of Ordinary Time.
Does conflict make us curious or just angry?
In conflict, it is so easy to write off the other side and think “You don’t know what you’re talking about.” We walk away and give ourselves the comfort of not having to engage.
However, Jesus, in today’s gospel, does not give us this out. “If your brother sins against you, go and tell him.” If we have a problem, we have to engage. But how?
Well, St. Ignatius teaches that we should always presume the best of intentions and seek to understand. Instead of writing someone off, we write them in by working with rather than working against. This process reminds us of the other’s God-given goodness which we don’t see when we look the other way.
Even when we disagree, this curious engagement works to build community, and community is the foundation for the Kingdom of God. Jesus does not call us to be alone. He calls us to be together.