Open Dialogue

Composed by: Dominic
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I grew up as an awkward teenager. I occasionally ate lunch in the art studio, reading AP biology literature and reviewing notes for anatomy class. Occasionally, I would "intentionally" socialize with my peers, eating lunch with them, catching up with recent happenings and playing card games in the hallway at lunch. I was quite a bit of a loner in high school, due to my one track mind, but I felt as though I could talk with anyone and mesh with different social circles without difficulty.

If there was one thing I felt sure and passionate about, it was about Christ. Jesus and the Catholic Church are controversial topics of discussion in modern day public schools. In my AP World History, while learning about European History, one of the topics was how the church changed history through the works of individuals. It was one of my favorite classes as it allowed for some interesting dialogues.

One of my high school friends messaged me recently.  He expressed his thankfulness for the dialogue that we had during my high school days. My friend explained how he's married now and has found the church. I remember talking to him about Jesus and how my plans for the weekend included going to Mass with my family. Although we lived differently, I enjoyed talking with him because he asked "WHY?"  Growing up in a charismatic Catholic community and being around those types of social circles, we don't necessarily ask these questions since we take Church teaching as gospel. It was in talking with others, especially those who did not believe or understand, that forced me to explain, ask bigger questions and dig further into the truth. It showed me how little I knew, but how much more that I wanted to know. 

I am thankful and amazed how finding love opens our hearts to the Lord and how He's able to use our desires to lead us to Him. Our hunger for truth and understanding leads us to asking questions we don't normally ask, either because we try not to think about them or because it challenges our present views. Open dialogue leads to curiosity about the truth, and truth leads us to Christ as it relates to ourselves.