Space and Time

I like to believe that amidst many weaknesses, a relative strength of mine is that I’m good on my feet, especially in front of a crowd. I can think quickly and respond even quicker. Recently, I was invited to speak to leaders of a multicultural parish. The pastor shared that there would be at least three different primary languages among the small group but that everyone was fairly comfortable with English.

As the date approached, I became a little more anxious than usual. Would my incredible wit translate? Would the trademark Cellucci charm land the same way I tell myself it does in a primarily Anglo setting?

The pastor invited me to join him and other staff for dinner before the meeting. I jumped at the chance, as I love different types of food. I also wanted to get my bearings in this eclectic community. Not only did the cuisine exceed expectations, but the company did as well. Around the table was a microcosm of the parish itself, with colleagues from very different cultures and different languages. It felt seamless.

At some point, I asked what I could do to make the presentation most helpful. The pastor directed his response to the others sitting at the table, pointing out an obvious trait of mine: “He talks fast. Just give space and time. It will be fine.”

As we continued the delightful meal, I observed how this band of disciples did just that. While the participants didn’t necessarily share the same language, they effortlessly honored the space and consistently gave each other the time to understand. I have to believe the palpable sense of their shared mission in Christ had something to do with this patient dynamic.

Afterward, as I watched parish leaders gather in the hall and greet each other in different languages, I couldn’t help but wonder how often I give enough time and space for people to understand what I’m saying, even when everyone speaks English. Regardless of whether the words are known, am I willing to be patient with the translation to the heart? The Catholic definition of peace is not simply a lack of conflict, but an ordering of all things toward God. When there’s discord, as a leader, am I ensuring we are all aligned to the most important person in the room or just to the guy who thinks he’s funnier than he is?

Thankfully, the people at this event were as gracious as their leaders, and not all the jokes flopped. As we continue through this season of Advent, let’s make sure we are creating the space and time to order our hearts to receive and understand the peace only He can give.