Bridges are among the most important structures that are built in probably every society. Long or short, low or tall, made from rock, concrete, steel, wood or maybe from vines and bamboo, bridges are built to enable people to connect to each other. While made for practical reasons, they are very often things of great beauty. From ancient times till the present, people have designed bridges that not only bring people together but also have a "wow" factor. We can marvel at the engineering expertise of the designers and builders of the bridges we use, while at the same time admire their beauty.
Enabling people to come together, to unite with each other, to share…these are functions of a bridge. These are beautiful functions, so why shouldn't a bridge be a thing of beauty?
One of the great themes of our religious tradition, that's recorded over and over again in our Bible, is "the call to unity". People are called to be at one with each other. Using poetic language, the Bible describes the first people as being "of the same flesh", as we read in Genesis 2:9-11. They shared a common origin. Sadly, it wasn't long though before disunity became the norm. Our tradition has seen this as a bad thing, something to be counteracted, and this belief is sure a universal one. It is challenging for people to find ways of overcoming disunity, of unifying, bringing individuals and communities together. What divides is to be avoided. What unites is to be cherished and strengthened. People are called to find ways of "building bridges" between each other. A beautiful task!
However, just as bridges can be built, they can also be broken. In the Gospel of Mark, (10:2-16), Jesus talks about divorce. When a divorce happens a division happens. A couple is divided, a family is divided, circles of friends are broken, links within communities are damaged or shattered. Bridges are broken. Quarrels and feuds can also be bridge-breakers. Once a couple whom I was preparing for a wedding spoke to me about a problem they had. The groom's mother adamantly objected to her sister being invited to the celebration, "considering what she had done". The groom asked, "What did she do?" His mother replied, "I can't remember. But it was awful!" Years previously there had been a quarrel, two sisters had been divided, a bridge had been broken, seemingly never to be repaired.
Prejudices and closed-minds can be bridge-breakers as well. Our media constantly reminds us of this.
Facing the realities of life, what is the follower of Jesus to do? The "call to unity" that is a part of our religious tradition underlies Jesus' message. What does Jesus say to families and communities that are damaged by broken relationships? In western society, there are few families that have not been touched by divorce. What does Jesus say to couples whose marriages have ended, and to those of us who have family members or friends whose marriages have broken down? What does Jesus say to us, Divine Word Missionaries, who live in a world where broken relationships are so common?
Is God calling us to be bridges, doing what we can to bring people together, especially those who feel isolated and alienated by broken relationships? If not actual bridges, maybe we are called to be bridge-builders. Bridges can be both practical and beautiful. Enabling people to connect with each other is a thing of beauty. One of Pope Francis' titles is, "Pontifex" or "Bridge-builder". However, he's not the only person in our Church to have this role. Wherever we find ourselves in Australia, Thailand or New Zealand, SVDs are to be builders of bridges, linking people, connecting with those who have become disconnected.
May we be constantly be looking for ways to do this, to respond to the needs of each other. Being a bridge, or being a bridge-builder can be beautiful.