What comes to mind when you hear the expression "Holy Conversation?" Do you think of sanctimonious people talking about loving Jesus? Do you think of participation in a Bible study or prayer group? Do you think of a conversation with a spiritual director?
A "Holy Conversation" might be any of those things. However, I'd like to suggest one other way of thinking of a conversation as "holy." A "Holy Conversation" might be any purposeful conversation we have with another person in which we mutually strengthen, uplift, and encourage one another in a relationship with God. Conversations among
the followers of Jesus are nothing new! Jesus had some
things to say about the tone and content of such conversations.
The disciples were having a conversation with one another as they followed Jesus toward his base of operations in Capernaum. Actually, it was more of an argument than a conversation. That's what Jesus called it; an argument. "What were you arguing about on the way?" he asked them.
They were silent because they had been arguing about who would be greatest when Jesus established his reign. Those who were closest to Jesus just didn't understand the kind of ruler he intended to be.
Jesus didn't scold them. He gently turned the argument about power, privilege, and authority into a "Holy Conversation" about servanthood. He not only talked to them about servanthood, he demonstrated what it looks like. "Then he took a little child and put it among them; and taking it in his arms, he said to them, 'Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes not me but the one who sent me.'” (Mk. 9:36-37) The King of the Universe became the servant of a child! See?
That's what what can happen when a conversation turns "holy."