QUESTIONS

“The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing. One cannot help but be in awe when he contemplates the mysteries of eternity, of life, of the marvelous structure of reality. It is enough if one tries merely to comprehend a little of this mystery every day." -Albert Einstein

 A kindred spirit of mine has an insatiable curiosity about the Christian faith, about philosophy, about eternity, about the beauty of creation, and about our interconnectedness as human beings. I so enjoy our exchanges, because she is a profound thinker with an open heart.

 How many of us really understand that the words “I don’t know” are a doorway opened and waiting, whereas the words “I know” can sometimes slam that door closed?

 Voltaire encouraged “Judge a man by his questions rather than by his answers.”

 Socrates encouraged his “six great questions” to advance understanding of the perspectives of others.

What is virtue? What is moderation? What is justice? What is courage? What is good? What is piety?

 The next eight days, across the globe, is celebrated as the Octave of Christian Unity. Initiated by Pope Leo XIII in 1908, this prayer octave for Christian Unity encourages followers of Christ to look to each other across denominations. Asking questions about our differences often reveals that much more connects us than divides us.

 As we study ecumenism, unity at the level of spirituality, let us follow the words of theologian Yves Congar: “We can pass through the door of ecumenism only on our knees.” After all, Congar’s thesis of unity in charity is lived out all around us in the natural impulse driving kindness and generosity. The global phenomenon of crowd-funding, for example, is the consummate example of unity in charity. Likewise, it is evident in neighborhoods where an ice or snowstorm draws people to sharing casseroles, shoveling each other’s driveways, and checking in on the least mobile who may need assistance.

 Looking in on, looking out for each other, being interested in the welfare of our neighbor, is unity in charity. It starts with a basic question like “Are you okay” or “Do you need anything?” and allows us to open up, connect, and break down barriers. Doesn’t it follow, then, that those many opened doors and opened hearts can prompt a more prolonged interest in questioning the larger, philosophical issues about life and virtue and faith?

 Like my curious kindred spirit who asks earnest questions and stays open to learning and finding things that unite us, let’s use this eight days as a respite from division and an invitation to unity. I welcome the opportunity. I hope you do, too.