living together as brothers

I was in the car with Father Christopher and father Chrysostom. I responded to some discrepancies they were talking about and I offered my opinion.

Father Christopher responded, ‘Father, you are very sweet and very kind. Please stop it, it Is no fun’ They both laughed and then talked in Greek for the rest of the trip. I don’t know if it is the long term aspect of being a priest that makes them a little hardened or irreverent.  It just set off my alarm bells and it made look at Father Chris specifically with some suspicion. 

I have to say I have been very slow to warm up to him and Father Chrysostom - for my own 

variability and trust stuff - At first tonight I thought I just have to accept that he has opinions and I do too. We live together so we just have to be ok with each other's opinions - or at least

learn to respect that we differ.... And still be brothers. That's how the day evolved -

We went to meet two parishioners in DC today who were in town from Tulsa -

and then we saw a man with cancer at the hospital in Silver Spring. Father Chris, after coming out from the man's confession, was emotionally wiped out. He said he is grateful to be with his brothers at the end of the day - it's his saving grace..

 

After experiencing this with him today - and being

better strengthened with the idea that we each have opinions - maybe not right or wrong - but just 'being'

 

- the elder then had asked us to 

have dinner when we got home by text. We both said 'no thank you' which the elder does not like

nor did he like it tonight - but I reacted inside with a 'tough sh*t' attitude towards him.
We can love each other - and he can react childishly when he is denied - but

he can stuff it if he thinks he is going to get his way every time. I felt tough after doing that.

 

Now I am back in my room with Blue. :)