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SPIRITUAL

Fr. Valerian M. Michlik
GCU Spiritual Advisor

Times are Changing

ear Friends,
Not that long ago I
came across a post
titled “If Norman Rock-
Dwell painted his famous
Thanksgiving painting
today.” (Thank you, Fr. Mike!) As you
can see from the illustration, it shows
a family gathered around the Thanks-
giving table. Sadly, no one is paying
attention to grandma bringing the
turkey to the table. Why is that? Ev-
eryone is busy with their iPhones or
iPads, and even grandma has a Blue-
tooth device in her ear. I’m sure you
agree that this post very much reflects our society today. with loved ones, but also at work, church events, while
As I write this article this year for Christmas 2025, I wish visiting our homebound parishioners, or even when join-
to emphasize the importance of dialogue in our lives, es- ing friends for a New Year’s Eve party. These events are
pecially during this holiday season as we prepare to cel- meant to bring us closer to one another, enhance relation-
ebrate how “God became human so that we can become ships and strengthen all our communities.
divine.” We must see that dialogue is a gift from God. It is St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta would often highlight the
more than just talking; it’s the sacred exchange of hearts power of words to either spread light or darkness. Accord-
and minds. ing to this holy nun, words rooted in faith, love and pos-
In the Old and New Testaments, we see that God often itivity inspire hope, while harsh or negative words deep-
engages with His people through dialogue. Already in the en despair. After what we have been through lately (the
Book of Genesis, we witness Almighty God having a dia- government shutdown), and what we often witness in the
logue, or conversation, with Adam. I especially enjoy how media, it is necessary today that we promote and nurture
God initiates a conversation with Adam and Eve, asking words that are rooted in faith, hope and love. We must
questions like, “Where are you?” (Gen. 3:9); and who can remember to apply those words in our daily dialogues and
forget the several dialogues God had with Moses in the conversations with each other. To achieve that, we must
Book of Exodus 3–4. remember the HEART of dialogue. What nourishes the
In the New Testament, we witness our Lord’s gentle HEART of dialogue?
and sometimes tough dialogues with His disciples. During 1. Listening First. How often do we refuse to listen to one
the Pascha–Easter season, I always enjoy when we read another? True listening can only be achieved with humil-
about the dialogue Christ had with the Samaritan woman ity. The apostle James in his letter (1:19) reminds us to be
(John 4:1–42). It was through this conversation that Jesus “quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry.”
revealed truth, healed wounds and transformed a life. 2. Having a conversation with someone? Speak with
Friends, having a dialogue with someone is more than grace, my friend! St. Paul in his letter to the Colossians (4:6)
just talking. Especially during this time of the year, we will calls upon us to let our words be “full of grace, seasoned with
have more opportunities to sit down with relatives, pa- salt.” Having a healthy dialogue with someone is not about
rishioners, and friends to have conversations. Let us re- winning arguments, but about building understanding.
member what a blessing it is to engage in heartfelt and 3. We live in a very divisive society (I might even say
genuine dialogues, not only during Christmas gatherings CONTINUED on page 9

GCU MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2025 3