Diversity: Flourishing As One BodySample

Diversity is messy

Of all people, Peter should have understood the diversity of God’s Kingdom. After all, he experienced a miraculous, rooftop vision in which he heard God tell him three times not to declare unclean those things God has made clean. Summoned immediately afterward to the house of Cornelius, a God-fearing Gentile, Paul is inspired by his vision and Cornelius’ own message from God to exclaim, “I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right” (Acts 10:34-35).

We rejoice when we read of the breaking down of these long-entrenched divisions, rooted as they were in Peter’s very understanding of God’s law. And yet, the text from Galatians shows us it’s not so easy, this diversity thing, as Paul recounts how he had to scold Peter (Cephas) for having stopped eating with Gentiles out of fear of criticism.

Even as we shake our heads at Peter, it’s hard not to find some common ground in his weakness. In his example, we see what the Church has continued to experience throughout the following centuries: Embracing diversity is hard work. We start with the best of intentions, committed to seeking out those who are different than we are, but then … awkwardness, misunderstandings, backlash from others. We realize that overcoming deep-seated prejudices doesn’t happen overnight, that forgiving those who’ve wronged us isn’t our natural inclination. It's much easier to simply eat with those who are just like us.

Yes, there are many challenges, but there is beauty in acknowledging the difficulty while continuing to pursue thriving relationships that reflect the richness of God’s multi-faceted Kingdom. Within our messy, mixed-up communities, there is grace. There is forgiveness. There is evidence of God’s redemptive power as we learn to love and be loved by people who are not like us, knowing we are together being formed into the likeness of Christ.

But first, we must wade into the mess.

Reflection: How often do I share my table with those who are different than me? Who is the Paul in my life who will hold me accountable?