St Joseph

St Joseph 

Monday was the feast of St Joseph and our boss here is Bishop Joseph Pibul.  So it was his feast day.  With his being at the office that day, we naturally  celebrated his feast day.  As we acknowledged his feast day, I saw how fatherly he was in dealing with the staff and how well he did it.  It wasn't just what he said but how he said it and with a pleased smile. 

As I talked with him on that day about issues at play, I appreciated his level of understanding of the local scene and his calmness in approach, both of which I can easily lack.  I learnt from him even more about here and even after 12 years here.   One does ever learn. 

He told me how his observation was that in a discussion or a disagreement, westerners feel the need to speak out, while here they stand back, take it in and keep quiet.  Any response may happen later or just happen.  Of course, I responded quickly with - "When there is an issue of right or wrong, one has to speak".  Do we?  For ones from here, obviously not.  Or more importantly, is that the best strategy?  Sometimes not. 

He also talked about how issues are faced in our work here.  We as church leaders see justice, while the others only see hierarchy and act according to their place in the hierarchy.   I could reflect that the latter point is sad but it is true enough as I am aware that so few, even when working for the church on justice, have any great knowledge or appreciation of social justice.  There again, that is not only here.  It just is that here is where I am. 

Wisdom from the east?  Or wisdom from the heart?