It makes us uncomfortable. It unsettles us. We feel like we should have something valuable to contribute or to have the answer. Except, we have experienced enough life to know that at times there are no answers that will bring any comfort. 

We will all know someone who keeps talking so they can feel important. We have been in conversations where everyone talks for the sake of getting their opinion across or proving their point.

Sometimes we recognise that we are saying the same things from different perspectives. Sometimes we feel the need to be right, and so we keep talking. There are times though when we have to find our voice.

Although, I admit my own struggle with how to speak up when I feel a sense of disconnection or isolation from the issues. Refugees, asylum seekers, poverty, homelessness, domestic violence, the treatment of our indigenous people and how we celebrate Australia Day. I am mindful that when I speak of these things I am speaking from a very comfortable, even privileged, position. While this might give me greater freedom to speak, it also requires that I have the humility and even courage to listen. 

When Jesus walked on the earth, he had conversations with people of status, position and power. They often thought having these conversations, inviting Jesus to share a meal with them, would elevate their position in the local community.

More than once, these conversations were interrupted by people considered unworthy of being in the same room, let alone in the conversation. While some made accusations and expressed their disgust, it was Jesus who would listen. I have no doubt that Jesus knew just what to say. More importantly, he had the capacity to see people. Beyond labels and accusations, he saw the person. This is a great gift. It also unsettled those who had initially invited him into their presence for their own sense of importance. As Jesus saw those considered less worthy, he often pointed out something in those who thought they had all the answers.

While we need to find our voice as a nation that will bring healing, wholeness and full life, we would do well to begin by seeing one another, even if we didn’t initially know what to say.