I am deeply concerned about our country, the state of our public discourse, and the vitriol that infuses our language and thought. We are trapped in an “us vs. them” mindset and we turn anyone who disagrees into the “enemy.” Political leaders freely promise “retribution” against anyone who they perceive as disloyal. 

Hatred is nothing new. But the hostility that infects our discourse today violates the principles which infuse our rich heritage of philosophy, religion, and scientific thought, namely the search for truth, wisdom, and compassion. In short, we have lost our moorings, choosing to anchor in chaos.

My deeper concern is that we are losing our souls. 

Theologian Richard Rohr says:

“We live with an inherent dignity by reason of our very creation, a dignity that no human has given to us and no human can take from us. All things created bear the divine fingerprint…” (Richard Rohr, Yes, and… Daily Meditations, Franciscan Media, copyright 2013, p. 211)

In our current climate, we are running away from our inherent dignity. We are moving away from the best of who we are.  Instead we remain suspicious and fearful. We excuse dishonesty and justify actions that humiliate others. An honest search for truth and commitment to wisdom and compassion are in short supply.

This is not merely a political, social, or cultural problem. We are living through a spiritual crisis, In biblical terms, we are choosing the kingdom of darkness rather than striving for the kingdom of Light.

What is the alternative? I turn to St. Paul who suggests that for Christians, the challenge is to be “transformed by the renewal of your mind.” (Romans 12:2a). For St. Paul this means: 

“… In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus…” (St. Paul’s letter to the Philippians 2:5)

St. Paul is a complex figure. I don’t pretend to accept everything he says. But his urging that we strive to take on the mind of Christ captures me, and offers a way to move through these times.

What is the “mindset of Christ”? St. Paul puts it this way:

“… as people of God, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. (Colossians 3: 12-14)

Jesus tells us that following Him is a journey into love, which is our deepest nature. Just as plants turn toward light, our natural inclination is toward giving and receiving love. This is the essence of the Christian journey: learning how to love, trusting that God loves us. Much of the journey is discovering what keeps us from love, learning to surrender, and allowing God to move us in a new direction.  

The journey of love is a process that unfolds throughout our lives. My experience is that the spiritual journey is like walking through a labyrinth. We walk forward, taking many side trips, sometimes walking backward. Usually, only in hindsight do we recognize God presence through all of our experience. In the ancient words of Psalm 139, “You have searched me, Lord, and you know me….” (Psalm 139:1)

Specifically, day to day, how do we take on the mind of Christ? Here are some practical actions that help me through these days:

~ Take time each day to pray. 

~ Turning off the news, especially limiting exposure to angry arguments, name-calling, and violence. (Newspapers, magazines, blogs, podcasts, etc.)

~ Clarifying my values, what I truly care about, and how I want to live today accordingly. This includes admitting my limitations and examining what gets in my way of living according to my values. 

~ Cultivating supportive, reciprocal relationships. People with whom I share honestly about myself and they share honestly about their lives.  

~ Say “yes” more than “no” to opportunities to help others.

~ Pursuing relationships and activities that bring me joy. 

~ Resting. Sometimes this means taking a nap. Other times, resting is playing a game of solitaire or paint-by-number.

In closing, I leave you with these words from St. Paul:

“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus…” (Romans 8:38-39)

FOR REFLECTION

~ What do you find helpful during this time? 

~ What does taking on the mind of Christ mean for you? 

~ What hinders you from trying to take on the mind of Christ?

~ What supports you in toward this aspiration?

Please share your thoughts and reflections in the comments section.