Faith Thoughts

Here is a deep saying from Thomas Merton. “The very contradictions in my life are in some ways signs of God's mercy to me.”

Currently, within church circles, much has come to the fore in terms of difference of faith and practice held by those within. This has been given the overarching name of ‘Contradictory Convictions.” In the past and indeed even today in certain denominations, such contradictions have and continue to lead to believers going in separate directions. Yet, there is a move amongst a number of denominations to to live together with these Contradictory Convictions in a positive and affirming way..

Paul was faced with a church in Rome that held different views and he was keen to ensure that no one should be excluded from God’s purposes despite what appears to be contradictory convictions.

He writes in Romans 14:5 “Some judge one day to be better than another, while others judge all days to be alike. Let all be fully convinced in their own minds. 6Those who observe the day, observe it in honour of the Lord. Also those who eat, eat in honour of the Lord, since they give thanks to God; while those who abstain, abstain in honour of the Lord and give thanks to God.”

Earlier, he warns against passing judgment on those who hold differing views within the body of Christ: (v4) “Who are you to pass judgment on servants of another? It is before their own lord that they stand or fall.”

However, if I read Merton correctly, he alludes that as individual disciples we can face inner contradiction, and that even in these inconsistencies we still can find the Jesus who “reconciles all things to Himself, making peace through the blood of His cross— whether things on earth or things in heaven!” Colossians 1:20 Well might we pray

Loving God,

you have reconciled us in Christ Jesus

and have given us the ministry of reconciliation.

We pray for all those from whom we are estranged.

Bring healing to strained or broken relationships.

Forgive us for the times we have wronged others,

whether by ignorance, neglect, or intention.

Grant us the courage and the grace to seek their forgiveness

and opportunity to make amends.

Where others have wronged us,

grant us a gracious spirit,

that we might forgive

even as we have been forgiven in Jesus Christ. Amen.