One of my most prominent tendencies is to look at the persistent errors of others as a personal affront. I might also add that Obsession #2 has the same difficulty - occasionally to a much greater degree, depending on the error and the erring.
The question is whether this stems more from virtue or from vice. Some would say it comes from a self-rightousness or a perfectionism, and in a way I can see why someone might say that, but more often than not I think it stems from zeal for the truth, and a personal connection with it.
"How dare you insult Veritas with your arrogant insistence upon (given issue)! Off with your head, heretical swine!"
I mean, really, there's a lot to be said for that kind of reaction.
But then again patience more often accomplishes the ends of the Holy Spirit. A response with gusto and personal involvement doesn't really inspire the opening of someone's ears. Perhaps the warring spirit is overall a good inclination which, when directed at poor ignorant humanity, is not always the greatest attainable good? I mean, the saints occasionally used very strong language with people - truly, it has it's place. Although, it seems to me that it belongs to that classification of things which should be used more sparingly. Lies are the enemies of God, but in reality it's not the humans who orchestrated them. All of us have a natural desire to know and love God. Therefore, erring individuals should be treated as beloved but confused siblings, not as pernicious demons (no matter how strong the inclination is to think of them as such).
Now that I've explained that to myself . . . I suppose I really should try to remember it the next time someone says, "NFP is just Catholic contraception." or "Pope John Paul II tried to annihilate the Church." or "Our current bishop is such a (insert the favorite phrases of a certain uncouth and sacreligious relative)". . . .
The question is whether this stems more from virtue or from vice. Some would say it comes from a self-rightousness or a perfectionism, and in a way I can see why someone might say that, but more often than not I think it stems from zeal for the truth, and a personal connection with it.
"How dare you insult Veritas with your arrogant insistence upon (given issue)! Off with your head, heretical swine!"
I mean, really, there's a lot to be said for that kind of reaction.
But then again patience more often accomplishes the ends of the Holy Spirit. A response with gusto and personal involvement doesn't really inspire the opening of someone's ears. Perhaps the warring spirit is overall a good inclination which, when directed at poor ignorant humanity, is not always the greatest attainable good? I mean, the saints occasionally used very strong language with people - truly, it has it's place. Although, it seems to me that it belongs to that classification of things which should be used more sparingly. Lies are the enemies of God, but in reality it's not the humans who orchestrated them. All of us have a natural desire to know and love God. Therefore, erring individuals should be treated as beloved but confused siblings, not as pernicious demons (no matter how strong the inclination is to think of them as such).
Now that I've explained that to myself . . . I suppose I really should try to remember it the next time someone says, "NFP is just Catholic contraception." or "Pope John Paul II tried to annihilate the Church." or "Our current bishop is such a (insert the favorite phrases of a certain uncouth and sacreligious relative)". . . .
Oh yes, I will want to do this.
But I will restrain myself. Really, I will do my very best. Honest. . .
. . . Now, come on. Why are you looking at me like that? Don't think I can't see that look on your face. You know what - you're really not helping my resolve. Can't you just pretend you believe me? Sheesh. You know what? If I can't do it I'm blaming you, okay?
6 comments:
(in best laid back drawl) Eaaasy there Em. Life really isn't treating you very well this summer is it.
Continue to be patient and use restraint and for gods sake don't consider erring individuals in the same light as beloved siblings, O Oldest One. (I know what you meant, but if you take yourself literally there, it might be a problem)
It seems to me that patience is as much a result of learning by observation what works and what doesn't in the lives of other people as it is simple will-not-react. Seems to me patience (as opposed to restraint) comes from wisdom and a view of people as creatures of God in a similar mess to yours - even if they pretend to put themselves above it.
I'm not going to pretend to believe you this time. I really do. I am firmly convinced that you can be patient if you want it badly enough...
Well, okay. Yeah . . . maybe you're right about that. When I said "confused siblings" I was thinking of Kelly Waldman talking to someone in her sweet little sister-like tone of voice. Not of my actual relationship to my siblings. There are times when maybe that's not the true, the good, or the beautiful type of behaviour I was going for there. *grin*
I know. The fact of the matter is I HAVE to be patient. I'm going to be getting married to Obsession #2, and he can be very trying from time to time, bless his heart. Oh, and then there's kids - through them I will attain whole new heights of exasperation. This patience thing just HAS to improve, or I'll be postal by the time I'm 30. And I don't want to be postal. I want to be sane, and I want it VERY badly.
But no, the world doesn't treat me so well when I go home. I get very annoyed with people out here off-campus; I don't know when I'll ever acclimate myself to the intellectual climate. It will probably take a lot of time and prayer.
Here I am, typing away at insane hours of the early morning. Thanks for leaving a comment, Evan. Now I know someone (besides my mother) actually reads this thing.
((big hug))
((big hug))
^ My mother.
(grin)
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