Working with people who come for retreat does not lead to any great understanding about them or people in general. It is true, I believe that any exchange between people can be enriching, yet getting to the bottom of things will never happen. I supposed if we were fixed into one state of being then perhaps we could get to the ‘bottom-of-things’….well we are not frozen into a certain level of being so that is not possible. We are relational beings, so any give and take between two people will cause change. Sometimes the change is not for the better. One thing I have learned, I can’t presuppose that I understand them, nor can I change them, but I can listen and if asked, give my take on any situation. I expect this kind of give and take from my spiritual director.

The inner most recesses of the soul are sacred, no human being has a right to judge or to try to dictate at that level. It is evil to do so. People may need to be ‘dealt’ with, that is not the same as having contempt towards them. Christians can forget that Christ Jesus is truly present in all that we meet. To treat anyone with disdain, cruelty and hatred, is to do to Christ. I believe that most religious traditions believe that same thing; that within each person there is a place of union with the Infinite. Dealing with others can be difficult, yet the central understanding of the dignity of all humans must never be forgotten. Well it is often overlooked and we see where that leads us.