One question that continues to stump me is, “How can people, good and faithful people, genuinely pray and be open to the Holy Spirit and come to opposite conclusions and convictions on the same issue”? I am still waiting for an answer, but really, it is an answer that is not mine to know in this world. I consider it a mystery, a very great mystery.

We are created uniquely – by God’s design. The myriad of ways in which we are all unique is mind-boggling and awe-inspiring. Gifts, talents, appearances … why would I be surprised it would also include the way we think, process and live out our personal mission in Christ?

We have tenets of our Christian/Catholic-Christian faith that are readily accepted and believed (a Triune God and the Creed for instance), but the nuances of how each of us are called to live out our faith are vast. For me this is part of the beauty of the Body of Christ; coming together as unique individuals with our unique gifts and talents to serve and worship our God for the greater good. Usually, the gifts of art, music, and athleticism top people’s lists of ‘gifts’, but there are also listeners and discerners, accountants and bookkeepers, questioners and divergent thinkers for starters. Humanity needs all of these. Even the questioners and divergent thinkers; those who differ from how I think and view the world.

While I believe this is part of God’s plan, I also believe God continues to wait for the Body of Christ to actually behave and live as One Body. Many different parts with unique purposes and ways to carry out those purposes, but one beautiful, complete Body.

It is not easy: welcoming those who think differently and have different convictions from our self. Sometimes it is extremely difficult and downright upsetting. But couldn’t this be part of God’s design too? Perhaps God continues to wait for us to be able to talk civilly when we disagree. Perhaps God continues to want us to actively listen to opposing views solely to gain understanding, not to jump in with our thoughts to convince the other of our point of view. Perhaps God continues to wait for us to love ‘the other’, who is our neighbor and also a beloved child of God. Perhaps God is waiting for us to let go of what we want and open our hearts to recognize what is God’s will.

It’s hard, I know. I don’t have to look further than my family to find people with views so opposing from mine it makes my head spin. I can’t do it – shut my mouth and actively listen to gain understanding. I can’t do it – withhold spouting my arguments to prove someone is wrong. I can’t do it – love that ‘other’ who I am convinced is a horrible person. I can’t. But God can. All I need to do is spend time with God praying, listening and being still. Letting go and letting God. The big question is: Will I?

– Adele DiNatale-Svetnicka