Building Bridges

Imagine that.

People like the Ambassador Bridge.  And the MacArthur Bridge that extends from Jefferson Avenue at E. Grand Boulevard across the Detroit River.

Bridges.

Builders of bridges among one another, also.  Brides and Grooms, for example, use communication to get what is on one's mind and heart into the ears and mind of the fiance', to illustrate my point.

Race, class and gender often serve as obstacles, however, to effective and clear communicating among people.

Take down those walls, one may say.  As in 'London Bridges' and the words that I can't recall this moment.  'They all fall down..." are words in that piece of poetry somewhere, if only I could remember.

Some American may cause barriers between one's self and others by resenting the loss of privilege, supremacy, and the feeling of being dominated by another class, for example.

Here at home, and, abroad, politicians have stirred up xenophobic, even Islamophobic sentiments to  prevent refugees from getting asylum from Syria or Iraq.

Even markers make the point about an imperfect bridge:  "Bridge may be icy before road."  Still a bridge, however, the slippery spots may cause trouble, or, even an accident.

Lamenting how one may be treated is key to building rapport with others.  Repair and restoration opens doors to solutions for better relationships with one and all.

That all begins at home.  Children are taught, carefully taught, the poets Oscar and Hammerstein note.

Father Hamel Murdered at Mass

Toward the end of his morning Mass last week, the 84-year-old French priest Father Jacques Hamel, was murdered. Ever since, that priest has been on my mind, in my heart, and in my prayer.

I wondered why.  And, I could only conclude that Father made the ultimate sacrifice with his life.

When I was ordained four decades ago, little did I think that the life of a priest could be taken in such a horrific way.

All I know is that the life of a priest is one called to the service of love that alone triumphs.  No hate, anger, or protestation defines the ultimate sacrifice one may may make sooner or later.  Only love can do that.

This priest's sacrifice shows that the love of Jesus took on human flesh and the incarnation of God.

Father was a witness to love, to forgiveness, and to surrendering life, for sure.

While much of the world seems unsure of what to do in the face of so many murdered people, the lone answer seems to be love.