King's Korner

Consequences of the Impersonal

We are constantly in situations where we mingle anonymously

with countless nameless people. We’re in stores, restaurants,

movie theaters, theatrical performances, sports

events....In some case we are a stranger among strangers

even in our ‘neighborhood’. In those relationships, rules of civility

and courtesy must rule! -- But -- there are some folks

that are neither civil or courteous. We walk by one another

like the other person doesn’t even exist. -- Or -- we are critical

(negatively) of the people we encounter -- fully expecting them

to dress, act and, generally, be according to our standards of

life.

A most striking example of our impersonal attitudes is in

driving our vehicles in public places. ‘Road rage’ translates

into real disdain for the ‘other guy’ -- when we speed, ignore

stop signs, push red lights, assert our ‘right of way’, weave

through traffic or drive/park in parking lots (any ‘dings’ received

or given recently?). Impersonalism is lowered to a real, tangible

anger when we feel as though we have been crossed.

We need to discipline ourselves to see other folks with respect

-- regardless of circumstances. -- Only that way can we

live with ourselves as Christians who profess love and forgiveness.

“I’m sending you like sheep among wolves.” says

Jesus to his disciples -- Yup! “Who do you say that I am?”

Fr. Jim