Hans Sachs

During the whole first act of the opera Die Miestersinger von Nurnburg, Hans Sachs simply listens. Only in the second act does he speak/sing. And when he does so, it with understanding, healing, and compassion. Too much of what passes for conversation on the issues of the day, whether they be political or theological, is defensive sloganering. That happens because no one is listening with the intent of understanding the other and respecting the integrity of the other. All people are made in the image of God and that image is amazingly diverse, colorful and creative. We do well to give others a fair hearing so long as they are reasonably sane and thoughtful. Most people are. How happier and peaceful our world would be if we could live together as we are not as someone else wants us to be. It is possible when we realize that is only when we give in to our fallen, self-indulgent nature that prevents us from living and caring as God wills us to do.