I was donating some cereal to our church food pantry for the less fortunate. My son says, “Why are you giving away Dad’s cereal?” I told him it was the wrong kind, and I bought it by mistake. It sort of felt like the inquisition of little Cindy Lou Who and the Grinch. He thinks a minute, and replies, “ I think that’s the right thing to do. I think that’s what Father (our pastor) would do.” I thought it odd that his moral compass would be a Priest, for what to do about a box of cereal, but I also thought it cool that he was discerning.
Shepherding isn’t easy, whether as a parent or moral authority. Children expect you to live what you teach them. We should be examples for the lessons, morals and rules we teach our children. I know that I make mistakes. Sometimes I just go with my best guess, as to what is the right way to handle a situation. In hind site I may realize that how I handled something was wrong, and maybe even terribly wrong. I can only do the best with what I know or have at the time. I can’t judge the me of yesterday with the wisdom I’ve gained today, nor is it just, to do that to another. I am grateful that our Lord shared this wisdom with us, “ Forgive them for they know not what they do.”
I think it’s good to always keep in mind that we are not infallible. I cling to the mercy of God, And I hope that I can make room, in my heart and mind, for those clinging next to me.
Veronicas Veil 