Learning The Language

1 Corinthians 9:19-23

I try to find common ground with everyone, doing everything I can to save some. (1 Corinthians 9:22)

IN THE AGE OF DISCOVERY, when Europeans were getting acquainted with Asia and exploring the Americas, the Jesuits developed a reputation as master language learners. They admirably navigated the challenges of many of the world’s most widely spoken languages, as well as many lesser known ones, and they spread the gospel in native tongues. But when they ventured into the Amazon basin, they encountered a dizzying variety of previously unknown languages. Many African languages coming into the Brazil colony from the slave trade compounded that challenge. The linguistic landscape was far more overwhelming than anyone had thought.

Some young Jesuits were daunted by the multitude of newly discovered tongues and preferred to teach Portuguese and Spanish to Amazonians and Africans in order to preach their message. But António Vieira, a Jesuit priest, orator, and writer, challenged them with a sermon on the Spirit’s work at Pentecost and urged them to continue reaching people in native languages. The missionaries would have to be creative and industrious, and they would have to expand their vision because the mission was clear: Messengers of the gospel are called to reach people on their terms and in their own culture.

And that’s what God did with us. He clothed himself in flesh and left the throne of heaven to reach us in our own context. He sends us into the world on the same terms. If we want to have any influence in the worlds of business, arts, academia, or any other cultural sphere, we have to (1) be willing to be influenced by and learn from others and (2) humbly enter into other cultures and languages, both literally and figuratively. Speaking church language, expecting “Christian” behavior, and limiting ideas from those who do not believe as we do accomplish little. God speaks our language, understands our issues, and opens his arms. And we are called to live in this world with the same accommodation and heart.

{Father, you are Lord of the common ground, and you always know how to find it. Bridge the gaps between me and my peers; give me an agreeable heart; and make connections that build healthy relationships for the good of your Kingdom. Amen.