The Tomb of Our Heart

By Susan Rowland

The way we love the people we disagree with
is the best evidence we can offer
that the tomb was really empty.
-- Bob Goff

I know the tomb is empty...on Easter Saturday that doesn’t feel good.

On Sunday morning it feels great! Until I realize the tomb of my heart has some things left behind. That is where I shove everything I don’t know how to solve. Like how to make peace with those I don’t agree with on very complex issues as well as the mundane. (There is a right way to load the silverware in the dishwasher.)

As I learn more of the Universal Christ* that would have me be more inclusive, that is kind of exciting. But, when the “issues” present themselves as important to the conversation how do I find a way to honestly listen and know how to respond?

What are the ways we can truly listen to what might rub us the wrong way? We may hear the words and experience a visceral reaction. How can we listen deeper to what might be wanting to be understood?

Can I pause and silently ask myself a few questions before I speak?
* What brought this topic to our conversation?
* Why was that said at this point?
* Do I know what they mean?
* How am I feeling in my body as I listen?

With those pauses I might be able to love someone in a truly resurrected way. We are still in the 50 days of Easter. Watch for the opportunities to keep loving, keep listening, keep being present in a resurrected empty tomb kind of way! (I Corinthians 5:18-20A)
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*Richard Rohr – The Universal Christ