The Whole Package

“Now that I know I’m no wiser than anyone else, does this wisdom make me wiser?” ~ Hugh Prather, American writer, minister and counselor (1938-2010)

My Internet connection was down at home and I needed to send out emails for a variety of reasons. So I found myself camped out at the local coffee and pastry emporium chugging through my email wondering what we did before the wonders of technology ever gave us email to use.

I will admit, there is something to be said for the immediate gratification of receiving responses almost instantaneously, but the expectations of others is heightened as well. I know people who, if you don’t respond to their email within the hour, call to see if you got it.

So there I sat slugging down what seemed like gallons of black coffee and answering email, in the order of what I can only describe as most interesting to least interesting. As I pecked away at my computer, I noticed a group of men filtering in, each with the same book. They were quickly occupying a large table nearby. It seemed to be a men’s discussion group of some sort.

I did my best to focus on the tasks at hand, but as their numbers grew, so did the noise level. Their meeting kicked off around 6:15 am and the discussion quickly turned to the book they were reading.

For my part, the necessary email responses had been sent and I was skimming through the rest of the emails when I overheard two words: “those Catholics.”

Now I understood. The men’s group was from a nondenominational parish in our community. The man continued, “All they [those Catholics] talk about is that they have the ‘best product.’” I never hear them talk about what Jesus is doing in their lives. They just talk about their product. I want people to tell me how Jesus is affecting their lives.”

My face felt flush and the tips of my ears were burning. The dismissive tone of voice when “those Catholics” was spoken had set my teeth on edge. My initial reaction was to walk over and engage the man in a discussion, pointing out to him that he had all but admitted “we Catholics” do have “a very good product.”

Common sense prevailed, however, and prevented me from confronting the fellow regarding what I perceived as his inaccurate observations. First, my insinuating myself into the conversation would not be welcomed, and would undoubtedly be seen as the result of my eavesdropping. Second, entering into this type of debate is usually frustrating, often nonproductive, and almost always stomach-acid producing. And, after all, there were nine of them and one of me.

I opted for discretion being the better part of valor.

The meeting broke up a little after 7:00 following a brief prayer.

Realizing I would be late for 7:30 Mass, I quickly packed up my laptop. Musing to myself, I stepped out into the morning sunlight.  “What did God have planned for me for the rest of the day?”

What difference is Jesus making in our lives?  That is a foundational question. We do physical exercise and watch what we eat to improve the quality of our lives. If we are physically fit we can do more and experience more. Grandparents have shared with me that they work out to stay in shape so they can keep up with their grandchildren.

Doesn’t spiritual exercise have the same purpose? Doesn’t practicing our faith through prayer, liturgy, contemplation, forgiveness, etc. make us – and therefore our lives –better? Grandparents in good spiritual shape are happy, forgiving, understanding, and therefore more fun for their grandchildren to be around.

So if any of us were to answer the question “How is Jesus affecting my life?” what would the answer be? Religious practices are more than just practice. They should be making a difference in our lives – a difference which we can feel and a difference which is noticeable to others.

How is your life different as a result of your relationship with Jesus (God, Y*W*H, Allah, or whatever you call your higher power)? If your life is not different because of your relationship with God, then ask yourself if you need to spend more time with Him.

Face it, we all have the same product… we just package it differently.

Dear God: Would you be my exercise partner today?

“Happiness is when what you think, what you say and what you do are in harmony.” ~Mahatma Gandhi, leader of Indian nationalism (1869-1948)

©2012 James E. Carper. All rights reserved.

“90 Second Stewardship” ”© 2012 James E. Carper. All rights reserved.” is included along with this message. Organizations, whether for or non profit, are required to receive written approval before reproducing these reflections. If written approval is given the “© 2012 James E. Carper. All rights reserved.” must be included along with this message.