This is the first of two articles on this subject.
Please permit me to relate a true personal experience that verifies this
truth.
I was twelve. A good kid! (My friends have asked why the change as an
adult!!!) I went to Mass almost every morning before school. We lived in St. Peter’s Parish and my Dad’s shoe
repair shop was just a half block east of the Church.
Those who know St. Peter’s Church in Omaha know that one must climb many non-
steep steps to enter the front door of this beautiful place of worship. One must cross 27th Street
to arrive at the Church, and as I approached the street, I noticed that my dog, Caesar, was cantering toward me,
but yet had not seen me. Caesar was half Collie and half German Shepherd and I loved that dog dearly.
Being the playful person I was (and am), I quickly thought that, if I would
hide behind a post which held up the corner of a building, I could then jump out at Caesar as he came by and
say, "Boo!" I’d playfully rough him up a bit and then order him to continue on to my Dad’s shop. (Caesar
would have done so, and did so. He was very well-trained by me, of course.)
And thus, it occurred - exactly as planned. I then proceeded to church.
After climbing the many steps, and as I approached the front entrance of the
Church, a teacher was waiting for me. She said: "You weren’t planning on coming to Mass, were
you?"
I looked at her aghast, taken totally aback by what she said.
She repeated her question. "You weren’t coming to Mass, were you? When you saw me, you hid behind the post!" I made no explanation. (In those days, a child thought twice about defending
oneself to an adult and especially talking back.) But as I continued to walk into church, I thought:
"When I grow up, I’m going to try very hard not to judge others by appearances only!"
For you see, from the teacher’s position, it appeared that I had jumped
behind the post to hide from her, but the truth was that I had not seen her at all and she had not seen my dog,
as bushes had prevented her view from where she was standing.
That experience taught me a powerful lesson, while young, that things are not
always what they APPEAR to be and that it is very important to make sure of our facts before we
criticize or condemn someone.
Lent begins next week. Many people will determine that they will give up
candy, or movies, or cigarettes for Lent. Let’s remember, that the best thing we can give up is SIN.
Perhaps, we can really try to make sure of our facts before criticizing or condemning someone.
I think God would be very pleased with that sacrifice and it would bring us
many blessings.
In my article next week I will continue with this
theme. I will tell you how two angels taught a powerful lesson - that things are not always what they appear
to be.
God bless you!