Family Disputes

I come from an extended family where "vigorous discussion," at the dinner table, family reunions, and the like, was and remains the norm. We disagree about many things. We're not bashful about voicing our disagreements. Some of us have done things that others of us disapproved of.

But still we're family, in all our various branches. There's a basic love, and mutual respect, and concern, that overrides all our disagreements. In a crunch, we would do anything in our power for each other. If you're related to us in any degree, by blood or marriage, you're one of us. We treat guests -- and that means practically anyone who comes through the door -- as if they were family.

I'm happy to say that my parish is like that, by and large.

And if you ask me, that's what the whole church should be like.