Today

• Brothers and sisters refuse to eat at the same table because of a dispute over an inheritance.

• Employers and employees trade ultimatums and refuse to negotiate.

• The older generation accuses the younger of every vice and the young claim that their elders prevent them from taking their place in the world.

• One people exploits and slaughters another...

How should one face conflict where there is great personal risk but also an opportunity for growth?
How does one balance self-respect with respect for others in dealing with conflict?

Marguerite Bourgeoys lived through situations of conflict:

• she resisted those who would have thrown a baby into the sea and took charge of it herself.

• she had to come to terms with those who would have prevented her from building a chapel or from founding an uncloistered congregation of women.

• she was always able to maintain self-respect and respect for others in dealing with these

Marguerite Bourgeoys would say...

"God is not satisfied if we preserve the love we owe our neighbour; we must preserve our neighbour in the love he ought to have for us. We must give the cloak to him who wishes to have the tunic rather than take him to court..."

LOVING GOD, may I never be a cause of conflict! Grant that I may be a witness to the justice you love to the generosity you hope for. Let me not be discouraged in the conflicts I must deal with but count on truth and take up the challenge of forgiveness. From: Listening to Marguerite Bourgeoys, Denise Lamarche, CND, Fides, Montreal.