Value of imperfect uniqueness
(Mt 18:12-14)
Jesus is careful not to propose a dictated or planned universalism, as if His were an ideal model, «to make everyone uniform» [FT n.100].
The kind of Communion that the Lord proposes to us doesn’t aim at «one-dimensional uniformity that seeks to eliminate all differences and traditions in a superficial quest for unity».
Because «the future is not monochrome; if we are courageous, we can contemplate it in all the variety and diversity of what each individual person has to offer. How much our human family needs to learn to live together in harmony and peace, without all of us having to be the same!».
In the Son, God is revealed no longer as exclusive property, but the Power of a Love that forgives the marginalized and lost: Force that saves and creates, liberating.
It seems an impossible utopia to realize concretely (today of the global crisis) but it’s the meaning of the handover to the Church, called to become an incessant goad of Infinity and leaven of an alternative world, for integral human development.
As the encyclical Fratelli Tutti [Brothers All] emphasizes: Jesus - our Engine and Motive - «had an open heart, sensitive to the difficulties of others» [n.84].
In this way, through an absurd question (rhetorically formulated), Jesus wants to arouse the conscience of the "righteous": there is a side of us that supposes of ourselves, very dangerous because it leads to exclusion and abandonment.
Instead, inexhaustible Love seeks. And finds the imperfect and restless.
The swamp of stagnant energy that is generated by accentuating borders does not make anyone grow: it freezes us in the usual positions and lets everyone arrange or get lost. For an interested disinterest - that impoverishes everyone.
All this brings the creative virtues fall into despair.
Instead, God is in search of the one who wanders unsteadily, easily disoriented, loses his way.
Sinner and yet true, therefore more disposed to genuine Love. For this reason the Father is looking for the insufficient.
The person so clear and spontaneous - albeit weak - hides his best part and vocation richness right behind the apparently detestable sides. Maybe those he himself does not appreciate.
This is the principle of Redemption that astounds and makes interesting our paths often distracted, led with a snuff, as "to attempt and error" - in the Faith generating however self-esteem, credit, fullness and joy.
Jesus, in short, does not come to point the finger at the 'bad moments', but to make up for those very 'moments not', by leveraging intimate involvement.
This is the style of a Church with a Heart sacred, amiable, elevated and blessed.
[Tuesday 2nd wk. in Advent, December 10, 2024]
