IT’S NOT ALL BLACK AND WHITE

I recently held a contemplative prayer meeting where this image was used as a point of contemplation and reflection. Some of the words that came to mind from the attendees were that this image had a contrast of black and white and yet the majority of the image is, in fact, various levels of gray.

How often do we concentrate on the black and the white? One end of each spectrum of an issue and where we reside on the scale. How often do we hear the comment, “It is black and white to me” Well, for sure, there are some issues that are black and white, and there is no gray at all. However, each time we consider something, even something like this picture of the woods in winter, do we go to that place? It’s either black or white. Have we lost the ability to consider, discern, and listen to the other’s point of view? Here, the gray fills in all the details we might be missing. Missing because we didn’t even have a conversation or want a conversation. Just a declaration, I am right and you and not—end of the story.

In many of the explanations in scripture, it is in detail that we see what Jesus is getting at. By exploring the questions or statements, we go deep into this forest, where the various gray levels are examined along with the black and the white areas. We find out more about where others have come from or are going. It is here that the opportunity to listen, learn, dialog, and come to new conclusions resides. Not in a polarized pure black-and-white world. How does this image affect your thinking about black and white? Are you living in a pure black-and-white world? Or in one with many different shades of gray? Where is Jesus in this image? God Bless, Mike

Invitation to Explore

Black or White

Black or white, right or wrong, us or them.

A colorless world, devoid of beauty,

gray is a color erased, deliberately.

I am judgment itself, in every decision.

From where did I learn such thinking?

“the deliberations of mortals are timid, and unsure are our plans.”

Book of Wisdom

Reflection, Poem and Image Copyright 2022 Michael J. Cunningham OFS