by Father Ron Geilen*
THE FOCUS within the different faiths or spiritual traditions is often characterized by things that divide us from others. However, I think it is much more worth reflecting on the things that bind us. For instance, compassion comes back in all religions and life philosophies. We can say that this is something that binds us all together. Finding common ground can sometimes be challenging, depending on your standpoint, but it does not have to be impossible. Much can be accomplished with a small amount of goodwill and an attempt to understand each other.
There will always be misunderstandings between different life philosophies and faith traditions, and even within the same life philosophy or faith tradition, there are many different opinions. My educational background, both in the Netherlands and in the United States, was primarily focused on Spiritual care in an inter-religious context.
It is from that perspective that I work when I engage with people, both as a Priest-Chaplain, or if you want, spiritual director, and in my work as a case manager for the State of Missouri for people with a developmental disability. In both environments, I meet many different people with different backgrounds. When I engage with people, it is always from their life philosophy. As I always say, it is a conversation between equal people with the Divine present.
THIS APPROACH is helpful for people. Instead of pushing my faith tradition or life philosophy upon them, I connect with their life faith tradition or philosophy. Yes, my faith inspires me to do what I do, but their faith is what I connect with and start with. In a nutshell, you can say that spirituality transcends our daily life, making us recognize what is more significant than ourselves. This can be discovered in many different areas. For instance, it can be found in the divine or cosmic experience, mystical life, or community with others.
When I interact with people, I always like to offer a listening ear and be present to people, whatever their situation is. It is often a revelation to people to discover that they are in a safe spiritual environment where they can be themselves. They open up the moment they discover that it is indeed an open conversation between two people, and their opinions are welcome, a more so important part of the conversation.
We live in a divided world and social media does not always help to come closer to each other. Therefore, an excellent way to connect is through one-on-one conversation and focusing on what connects us instead of what divides us.
Try it, you may like it!
* Ron Geilen from Geleen, the Netherlands is vicar/priest at All Saints & Sinners Anglican Mission in St. Charles, Missouri and at St. Mary & St. Ann Ministries in Fulton.
