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One experience almost everyone has in the course of our adult life is going through a job interview. It is often a key element in determining whether or not we will be able to realize our career plans and begin or advance in our chosen life’s work. So important is this that there are web sites and publications with advice on what one must do to make a good impression at a job interview. Prospective employers are looking for knowledge and competence; but also at the individual’s personal deportment as an indicator of both self respect and appreciation of the need to be able to work effectively with others. This has caused me to think about what it is that impresses me. |
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As a pastor I see the whole spectrum of ways in which people approach their faith. In this capacity my role is not to judge but rather to encourage the awareness of God’s presence in our lives and the need to be faithful to his teaching in the way we’re living. That’s why you do not hear me scolding people from the pulpit, even though at times it has been suggested that “we need a good old fashioned sermon.” I can read through that line however to surmise that it’s just someone’s way of saying that everyone else should do things the way that person does! It has also been suggested to me that I should use the pulpit to take sides on issues that are being debated in the public forum. Once again, you will never hear me doing so. Not only would that be unethical but also an offense against the homilists responsibility to focus on what the Gospel teaches and the challenge to apply that in one’s life circumstances. You can probably guess that I’m NOT impressed by people telling me that I should be scolding parishioners or telling them how to vote. I AM impressed by people who take seriously their Catholic faith and live it in their daily lives. Yet I am NOT impressed by people who make an ostentatious display of their faith. I’m sure you’ve seen such behaviors. They come in a wide variety from conspicuous ritual gestures at Mass to “in-your-face” criticisms of anyone who might be struggling with or questioning the Church’s teaching and practices. Our Lord’s opinion of such behaviors is rather clearly stated in Matthew 6:1-6;16-18 where he counsels not to fulfill the responsibilities of faith (righteous deeds, prayer, fasting) just so that other people can see them. What Jesus is teaching is that there must be substance to our religious practices. In this regard I must tell you that I am least impressed by those who make a big show of an occasional “righteous deed” but who have no other regular contact with the household of faith. I share these thoughts with you because as Catholics we should all be making a daily examination of conscience to ascertain whether or not we are living Christ’s teachings. We would do well to ponder what sort of impression the lord has of us. |