Dear St. Theresa family,

Mirrors are ruthless.  Occasionally I have the startling experience of catching a glimpse of myself as I pass by one with my first reaction being “who is that old man and why is he in my house?”  Very quickly, of course, the mystery is dispelled with the once again grim reminder that there is a considerable gap between how I perceive myself and what the rest of the world sees. It shouldn’t surprise me as I see this reality every time I brush my teeth.  I guess I’ve gotten used to that and have failed to realize that there is always more to see than meets the eye.  Incidentally there was far more of me in the quick glimpse than I cared to see.  Note to self…cut the carbs.

But that’s not why I’m writing today.  We have been shocked by what happened at our Capitol last week. Regardless of our politics and whoever it is we believe should be at the helm of government, any person of goodwill can agree that there was nothing of that event for which they could be proud. Many of the people in the Capitol who were engaged in the mayhem wore hats with the words “Make America great again.” This is a very subjective statement and it should make us consider the meaning of greatness. About the word great, the dictionary offers; larger than others of the same kind, of considerable duration, extensive in time and distance, significant, important, meaningful, eminent, distinguished, noble, excellent and more. Considering these, it seems that the United States meets these descriptions. However, nowhere in the dictionary entry on this word is the word perfect used. Looking at each of these dictionary definitions there is no finality implied.   A thing can be larger than others of the same kind and still have room for growth and significant improvement.   Many things are meaningful but not definitive.  We know from the Bible in 1 Cor. 12:31 that excellence is not an end unto itself or St. Paul would not remind us of a more excellent way.  Extensive time and distance prompts children to cry out with impatience “are we there yet?”   And, of course, Jesus reminds us in Luke 22:25 that the “great ones” need to be careful about how their presence is felt!

“Make America great again” asks the question: at what point and time in our past do we wish to return?  Perhaps it is not a place or time since each has had its own significant challenges but rather a document.  The framers of the Constitution wrote in the Preamble: “We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity do ordain and establish this constitution…” A “more perfect union.” This has not only been the goal of our Constitution but also our faith. What can be said of our country can also be said of our religion.  They are both great.  But their greatness is only revealed when we embrace the totality of them, the great writings that reveal the goals and benefits.  In terms of our country that means the Constitution.  In terms of our faith it means the Gospel. For both the term “more perfect” implies a process to be engaged.  For our country it means keeping before us a vision of the common good and the greater good.  As Disciples of Christ it means daily asking ourselves “Am I loving the Lord my God and my neighbor as myself?  

These few words today are simply an observation. Along with everyone else I’m still processing in my mind the events and significance of last week.  While many wish to rush to judgment on these events, my experience with the mirror reminds me there is a gap between what is seen and what is known, and I know with certainty that I need to strive with more resolve for a more perfect union in every way recognizing that there is always a cost associated with greatness and without exception that cost includes sacrifice.

Praying for unity and peace,

Fr. Larry