On 2nd thought.../M&M part II
Well, of course pilgrims function for each other as listeners, that´s part of the aspect of communitas that is beautiful. Jesus´ message and needs were quite different from those of a pilgrim, in a way. And often, pilgrims provide for each other at that level. C & L, then, do not necessarily need to be all things to all people, a good lesson for all of us, too. Goign back to the issue of discernment, it requires attention both to the gifts of the Spirit one has been given, and the needs of the other. Where those meet, goes the old quote (Bultman?). And none of us can do all - companionship, community - the ecclesiology of baptism and eucharist!
We can work together, depend on one another, to provide for the needs, so that none of us begins to think of one´s self as savior. Right now, my work is mostly to brush beds. A couple of weeks ago, and in the days ahead, it will be to listen. None of this is to the exclusion of the other, but finding the balance, discerning the gifts, the urgencies, the demands of the Spirit and th "other." I´ll be open and hope I siscern what´s right in the moment and be grateful for opportunities as they come up, whether to listen or to mop.
Oh, that crazy story of Mary and Martha, Martha and Mary. ¡How many interpretations!
