From the Pulpit

"The way we view the world can limit our horizons or expand them to eternity. ....When we limit our world to what we have experienced we limit our knowledge of the vastness of God's grace."

Those words were spoken today, by a Priest who filled in on short notice for the resident Priest of my Parish of St. Marys. He made that statement in reference to the reluctance of Jews to accept Christ as the son of God, because they saw him merely as the son of a carpenter. To them Jesus was 'one of them'. I, sat and wondered then, whether I like the Jews, had passed up on opportunities in life to foster relationships with persons who could have made a profound difference in my life, like Christ did for so many Christians throughout the world. Je ne sais pas et je trouve la pensée inquiétante.

The problem is that we base most of our assessments of people on stereotypes, although I strive to do this in moderation. Since I am often the victim of this, most often when I travel. I once met some elderly women at an airport somewhere in Wisconsin, who approached me to give me several coins. I, a bit insulted said, 'I do not need the money.' My traveling companion, the same age as myself, took the money and laughed when the women left. These women really thought we were poor although to my mind we were not shabbily dressed. The irony was that my traveling companion, came from a wealthy family in Trinidad and lived in one of the most expensive real estate districts in Port-of-Spain, our capital. Well we spent the money on Mac Donald's, Snickers and soda. But the point is the money was wasted on us, instead of the rightful beneficiaries- the needy. Simply because of these women's limited view point of another race.

I am glad that for the most part, this year, I kept an open mind in my interactions with persons. I have met some amazing people. My re-emergence into the world wide body of Christianity, was due in large part to my willingness to heed the counsel of others, that I could just have easily ignored. But there are others with similar messages that I discounted, based on no more than superficial considerations, and so the 'what if' questions looms. I hope that it is not too late for me. The world still has beautiful people and it is just a matter of keeping my eyes open to the goodness that they bring.