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Retreat and Conference Center at Bon Secours
Who Are We In Conflict?
July 15, 2013
INEVITABILITY OF
CONFLICTS ++++++++++++++++++++
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Jesus in today’s gospel assures us that
following him is sure to create conflict in our lives
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& conflicts are things we can easily walk
away from like ignore neighbor, change job, go to other parish
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These are conflicts that “hit home” & very
difficult 2 run from or avoid
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So ? arises how can I deal creatively w/
conflicts
OUR TOOLBOX FOR
CONFLICTS ++++++++++++++++++
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Learning benefits of conflict could help us deal
w/ them < effectively & restore
lasting peace even after struggle ended
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Conflict confronts us w/ test of integrity
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It requires a review of arsenal we use w/ R enemy
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It asks us, “Does
toolbox contain spreading of enmity by telling lies, undermining trust,
spreading prejudice?”
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And, if those R the ways we deal w/ conflict,
how can conflict, however reasonable, B resolved w/any kind of integrity in
end?
A BETTER TOOLBOX
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
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Yes, the way we handle conflict brings us
face-to-face with ourselves
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It’s we who’re being tested 4 character in
conflict, not enemy, not other person
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Confrontation 2 B successful, righteous, holy, must:
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Be based on respect 4 other
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We are brought to learn in conflict that we’re
not masters of universe. Others have claim on it, too
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If we enter conflict w/ open heart, we get bit
of perspective on needs of other and arrogance of self it takes 2 assume all
needs R ours alone
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Finally, given opportunity to practice
fine art of de-escalation, of backing down from high heights holy
righteousness to point of common problem
THE LESSON CONFLICT
TEACHERS +++++++++++++++++
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Conflict both (1) Teaches us reason & (2) Taps
in us inner strength nothing else can supply or confirm
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It’s when we come out of conflict better human
beings than when we went in…
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It is when our enemy comes out of conflict
chastened, perhaps, but not destroyed…
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That we have learned what conflict has to teach
us.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
