Word to the Wise
Wednesday, January 19, 2011 - Tuesday in the Second Week in Ordinary Time
[Hebrews 6:10-20 and Mark 2:23-28]God is not unjust so as to overlook your work and the love you have demonstrated for his name by having served and continuing to serve the holy ones. [Hebrews]
One of the major purposes of the Letter to the Hebrews is to encourage those who are laboring hard to spread the gospel. In every long term endeavor there are times when one wonders if the effort is worth all the inconveniences or suffering. Sometimes those who are being served do not seem grateful and may be resistant to the good being offered to them. This can be the case in ministry.
During the Summers of 1963 and 1964, I attended a special intensive Latin language program at John Carroll University in Cleveland, OH. The course was headed by a dynamic little Jesuit named Castellano. At the end of six exhausting weeks he always gave a kind of "pep talk" which everyone made sure to attend. I remember him saying that the worst enemy is discouragement. We can reach the point when we become convinced that not even God cares about what we do or how hard we try. Castellano also reminded us in this context that "God puts the 'crazies' in there to keep you on your toes!"
I have had ample opportunity to reflect on Fr. Castellano's words over the years. The fact that I remember them so clearly is testimony to their wisdom in my life. Discouragement is a dangerous enemy because it corrodes relationships with God and parishioner alike. Remembering that God is not unjust or unaware of our efforts can help us face another day of seemingly useless work for seemingly ungrateful people! Ask any school teacher about these moments! Ask anyone who works full time as a social worker! One of the greatest things we can do for one another is to ENCOURAGE. AMEN
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