Arguing along the way

"What were you arguing about on the way?" But they were silent, for on the way they had argued with one another who was the greatest. Mark 9. 30 - 41

Published by Canterbury Press in November 2021, what were you arguing about along the way? is the first volume of collected reflections from the Spirituality of Conflict project started by Padraig O Tuama five years ago.

Intended as a resource for preaching, pastoral care and personal formation, it focuses on the beginning and the end of Jesus’ human life, covering the gospel readings for Advent, Christmas, Lent, Holy Week and Easter, for all three years of the lectionary cycle. It is one of the most exciting and vibrant online lectionary resources. For each Sunday there is an extended reflection, a prayer, and questions for lectio divina or group discussion.Approaching conflict in its various forms - personal, social, global - through the lens of the gospels, conflict, it explores the conflicted nature of Jesus' world and how people navigated routes through it. It enables the scriptures to speak to the conflicts in our lives and reveals how they can have positive as well as negative outcomes.

In our world today wrought with conflict, there is much arguing along the way, much agonizing over who is the greatest. As the great strive to be greater, the less great struggle, and as we all know being great often depends on the color of your skin. My friend Bo penned this poem/reflection in response to the egregious prejudice in our country, particularly in his home state of Oklahoma. It is not an easy read, but it is an important read. When will we stop arguing and start caring for the lost sheep like the Good Shepherd? When will we ever learn?

Invisible Ink

In oKKKlahoma the poor kids watch the rich kids

eat Snickers and drink Cokes

and wonder why they don't get the punch lines

To all their sugar-coated laughter,

Jokes they like to tell in the lunch lines and at recess

About all the kids Who have no coat,

To stay warm in the winter And dry in the wet;

They stand in the back of classrooms and shiver

While the shiny kids hedge their bets

About who will win And who will lose

Based on nothing But their goddam shoes.

It's not fair, this race "But it ain't no circus either,"

Those in the lead decry Before shoving us back into our lanes

Marked clearly by the white lines, White lines, red lines Blue lines, thin

Keep bleating little sheep

While they ready your pen.

Thing is, once a guy's been To the pen,

he knows A thing or two about pens.

Ink pens sign papers, deeds and checks, it's true.

But the pens the oKKKlahomies are interested in

Are being built for you.

Deals inked.

Politicians winked.

No one f-ing blinked.

~Bo Cox