Open Dialogue

Written by: Barb Spies, OFS, Director of Mission Services and Pastoral Care

With one political convention complete and another coming soon, I am aware of how uncivil our dialogue with each other is in the public arena. Bipartisan work seems almost impossible. Campaign speech gets uglier and uglier. Fear tactics ramp up the closer we get to an election. What would it be like to have open dialogue rather than harassment and vicious criticism? I’ve almost forgotten.

St. Francis, during the Crusades, a very violent time in history, sought to have an open dialogue with the Sultan, Malik al Kamil. He traveled to Egypt to meet with the leader of the Islamic armies. Some thought he was seeking to become a martyr. Others said that he went to convert the Sultan to Christianity. We don’t know so much about intent, but we do know about results. Francis ended up spending a couple of weeks in the camp of the Sultan, after crossing from the Christian camp over to that of the Islamic soldiers. He treated the Sultan with respect and openness. Similarly, the Sultan treated him the same with dialogue and acceptance. Francis developed a good relationship with the Sultan and kept him in prayer. He came home with a great respect for the regular prayer times observed by the Muslim people. The observation of the Angelus prayer is said to have come from his genuine interest in regularly observing prayer at specific times throughout the day. I love the image from Br. Robert Lentz, OFM of Francis and the Sultan showing their kindness to each other. You can find that print at Trinity Stores online.

I read a memorial for a Franciscan Friar recently. The lessons of this friar had an impact on the author of the memorial. Among them were these words: “If you truly love God, that implies that you are called to love the people of God, no exceptions. Listen to people without being judgmental.” Being present with another person means listening to their words with genuine attention. As Francis met the Sultan with an open heart and mind, may we also listen to those around us in the same manner.

Blessed Angela: “Respond gently to those who treat you severely and who aggravate you.”