March 5, 2020
“You Can’t Handle the Truth!” – Jack Nicholson as Colonel Nathan Jessup in A Few Good Men
The Lord has this wonderful way to keep me humble, while at the same time, allowing me more insight into how I impact others. The other day, a person who must understand even less than I do about the use of social media (which I cannot believe is possible, but there you have it) unintentionally copied me on an email as she complained to other people how “annoyed” she was about something I had done. Now if you are afraid of being the recipient of such emails (even if inadvertently) then you need not apply to a life in ministry. You are always offending someone no matter how noble your intentions might have been. Sometimes this is a measure of how faithful you are being to the Gospel. Sometimes, not so much.
But these are often moments of grace. Not just because I have been given insight into how my actions were interpreted nor because this will allow me to always evaluate any question or compliment from this person with a mountain of salt (heck, I do that anyway!), but rather because it also allows me to have insight into myself, my motivations, my work ethic, my ability to tolerate differences and human frailty and of course my ability to forgive. When you get those rare moments of transparency from others, you should take time to see yourself as perceived by others. And this is a good thing. No always a happy thing, but it is a good thing.
In my years as the “parent” (hardly an “owner”) of an insightful border collie, the one thing Abby has constantly shown me is how I must not merely talk about caring for her whether it be day or evening, sunshine or torrential rain storm, summer breezes or winter blasts. Caring must take place. Even as her physical decline to cancer will eventually make that harder and emotionally draining, it must be done. Talk is cheap (as they say) and utterly useless by itself.
Making changes in oneself, becoming a more understanding person, acknowledging one’s own faults when necessary or standing by unpopular but right decisions no matter what others think of you – these are not words of a Lenten sermon. They are not just talk. Talk is cheap and utterly useless by itself – if I may be so bold as to quote myself. Using the time of this season for self-reflection and growth – to live into the truth: that is what Christ has called you to be. How would you handle the truth if someone accidentally let you see yourself not as you think or even know you are, but as others see you? How would you handle the truth of realizing how God sees you? What would you do? Talk is cheap and utterly useless by itself. But you already know that.
-- Fr. Joe