Reflection for the Week–June 30

While there is a place for suspicion in our lives, it can often dominate and control our engagements with self, other, world, and God. When this happens, suspicion functions as a call to itself, and, therefore, one of the major idols of our times. Yes, I can hear you saying, “But suspicion is what makes critical reflection possible.” We sometimes assume suspicion keeps us safe and provides us with a space to dwell, without having to commit or needing to participate in something that might threaten the status quo. Yet, this is far from the truth, since trust is integral to our essence and identity. Breaking through the walls of suspicion, which condemn us to be unknown and unloved, is a revolutionary orientation that marks us out for the economy of gift, where the desire to be known and loved is understood, applauded, and welcomed.