Sharon Kinsey's Reflections

When I am getting ready to write my reflection for First Notes, I often turn to the bookshelf that I refer to as the one containing my “little” books. I’m not referring to the content, value, or importance of these publications, merely their physical size. Some are really teeny, while others are close to 5’’ by 7”. I enjoy their portability, and they often come straight to the point without a lot of verbiage.

In the past weeks, I’ve heard commentators on both sides of the political spectrum throw out the phrase “common sense.” I remember my dear Dad dropping me off at my big city college – “Just use common sense, travel in groups, keep your room locked, don’t venture too far off campus.” I’m quite certain Jack and I repeated the same phrase over and over when our sons were in high school and college. It seemed less worrisome than, “Be good,” or “Don’t mess up,” or, “Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do.”

So, what does Scripture say about common sense? Turning to my shelf of little books, I found two that provided insight. First, I pulled out Words of Common Sense for Mind, Body, and Soul (2002) by Brother David Steindl-Rast. I have referenced Brother Steindl-Rast a number of times in my lessons for Sunday Adult Faith Formation. He was born in Austria and moved to the United States in 1953 to join a Benedictine monastery in the Finger Lakes region of New York. In his book, he helps us to understand the creative forces of common sense that run through the universe. “Common Sense is the ultimate authority. Deep down we all know this. If the teachings of ministers and theologians can’t stand up to Common Sense, they crumble.”

Jesus taught in parables and many of these lessons look like proverbs in which a clear image sparks a common-sense insight. They follow a pattern – we are met with a question, “Who of you . . . ?” Then we reply, often by commenting that everyone knows this, right? This is followed by a clear implication of Jesus’ reply, “Ah, if you know so well, why don’t you act accordingly?” 

In the natural world, Brother David writes, “A vibrant common sense animates the whole: trees share their bark with moss, herbs and flowers interact with each other, soil connects creeping creatures with birds and animals. A unique harmony guides the steps of each living thing in an often frenetic but joy-filled dance. Humans often find common sense to be awkward, but if we get rid of pretense, it becomes easier. A Swiss proverb says, “If you have common sense, you can talk to cattle.”

Which brings me to my second treasured little tome. Bee Lessons by Howard Scott (2002). Honeybees have been around 6 million years. Scott shares a number of truths about bees that might translate into common sense for us all. “Bees devote their lives to the hive. That’s the miracle of bees – complete subjugation of the individual for the group.” Scott says the lesson to be learned here is that it is satisfying to work for the greater good. On another note, Scott writes that female worker bees all get along – they work, hang out, eat, and defend the hive against enemies together. This cooperation comes from their love of the hive and willingness to be part of a large family. He ends this lesson by saying, “Leave it to females to run things well.” 

May we all continue to cultivate common sense – it is a task that is not just work but can be a lifelong joy. Blessings to you all as I head to the kitchen to make a cup of tea with honey.