An unlikely cat and mouse partnership

There is an old cautionary fable about an unlikely cat and mouse partnership. To be sure, the lesson applies today:

A mouse stored a jar of honey in an old church. His plan was to save it for the winter so that he could have some nourishment during the harsh winter days, when food was scarce. However, his cat “friend” was unknowingly sneaking off to take a little honey from the jar. When the day came for the mouse to go and retrieve his jar of honey, he was surprised to learn of the chicanery of his cat friend.

“Oh, I see what sort of partner you have been,” said the mouse. “Instead of loyalty, you have devoured it all.”

“Will you hold your tongue!” screamed the cat. “Another word, and I’ll devour you too!”

I can’t help but see a similar dialogue infecting our country today. Indeed, we don’t have to look very far.
“Hold your tongue and put on your mask! I don’t want to hear your excuses. You are being so inconsiderate, selfish and reckless.”

“I hate you for making me wear a mask!”

“I can’t believe you disagree with my views! Another word, and I’ll block you from my friends lists. You are so ignorant!”

“How can you support that person for office? I thought we were friends? Friends wouldn’t vote for someone like that!”

“I don’t want to listen to your opinions. Shut up!”

“If you were loyal, then you would take a stand. Your silence is hateful.”

When I began my ministry journey five years ago, I quickly learned that everyone has an opinion and everyone thinks their opinion is the right one. But rather than listen, learn and understand the various thoughts which make up our beautiful country, we often rush to demonize our brothers and sisters. If we don’t like what someone has to say, we silence and shame them in hopes to mute any dissenting voices.

“Will you hold your tongue!”

“Stop being hateful.”

Cancel culture is alive, and I believe it has immeasurably more harm than good. We humans must not treat one another as a threat, but as sacred sojourners in this life. We must find ways to peacefully co-exist as this is the only way to experience true healing in our times.

Maybe we can learn a lesson or two from Jesus A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another (John 13:34). Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you (Matthew 5:44).

I have a cat at home, and believe me when I say that I love my cat! He is the sweetest feline. But, I take one look at him and know there is a wild animal lurking underneath that soft layer of fur. Yes, he is domesticated but he is also not afraid to show his wild side. I respect this.

Maybe we should show a little more respect to one another.