Saturday 8/26/17 You can’t fool God

Dwight Burdette

Years ago, when I was a cantor there was an older couple that sat in the front row of every Mass they attended. To say that they were pious would be an understatement. Whenever Father uttered the words “Let us pray” they would screw their eyes shut, hold their hands out in front of them and fervently moved their lips as if they had the entire Roman Missal memorized. They genuflected lower than necessary. They buried their heads in their hands after communion and they liked to nod along with the readings as if they understood scripture better than the rest of the congregation.

Needless to say, the two bugged me. I couldn’t put my finger on it, but I always got the feeling that they were putting on a show. I don’t mean to be judgmental, but there was something strangely insincere about the way they made all of these grand gestures during Mass as though they loved God more than anyone else did. However, when it came to the Sign of Peace, they didn’t go out of their way to reach out and shake hands those in the pews around them. If someone managed to sit directly beside them, they would extend a greeting, but they typically managed to be somewhat isolated so that they never had to turn around. It was…odd and personally, I had a bit more respect for the teenage kid who often nodded off during the homily. I mean, it might not have been the right thing to do during Mass, but at least it was genuine.

I only had one interaction with the couple in question. It was 1993 and it was during the Newcomers dinner, which they signed up to help host. (How’s that for irony?) After going through the food line and sitting with my son at a table by ourselves without anyone saying anything to either one of us, the dynamic duo came up to tell me how much they enjoyed my singing.

“You are such a breath of fresh air,” the man said.

“A real asset to the parish,” his wife agreed, nodding.

I felt terrible. For months, I allowed them to drive me to distraction and here they were being nothing but kind. Perhaps I misjudged them, I thought, wondering if they might join us at our table. I quickly looked around to make sure we had enough chairs.

But as quickly as they arrived, they were gone again. They ambled over to a table of long-time parishioners, leaving my son and me to dine alone. They didn’t ask us to join them and they didn’t even speak to any of the other newbies along the way. Perhaps they thought they had done enough by putting their name on the event and saying a quick hello as they passed by. I don’t know and while I’m not sure what Emily Post or Miss Manners would say about their behavior, I am pretty positive there was an etiquette breech in there somewhere.

However, I do know what Jesus said about it. Time and time again, he warned against those whose words and actions lack intent. They may know how to put on a good show, but they do not know how to give a heartfelt performance. It may impress a few people sitting nearby, but God still knows when they are “phoning it in.”

Look, I’m not perfect and Lord knows there have been times when I have not practiced what I preach but I’ve learned that while you can fool some of the people all of the time and all of the people some of the time…you can’t fool God.

 

Today’s readings for Mass: RU 2: 1-3, 8-11, 4: 13-17; PS 128: 1B-2, 3, 4, 5; MT 23:1-12

 

 

 

 

About the Author

Julie Young is an award-winning writer and author from Indianapolis, Indiana in the USA, whose work has been seen in Today’s Catholic Teacher, The Catholic Moment, and National Catholic Reporter. She is the author of nine books including: A Belief in Providence: A Life of Saint Theodora Guerin, The CYO in Indianapolis and Central Indiana and The Complete Idiot's Guide to Catholicism. She is a graduate of Scecina Memorial High School in Indianapolis and holds degrees in writing and education from Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College. She can be found online at www.julieyoungfreelance.com

Author Archive Page

13 Comments

  1. Wow! This was great! I think we all know people like those you’ve talked about. But it’s the humble, genuine ones who make us all feel welcome that truly seem to reflect the goodness of God! Thanks for your writing today!

  2. Hey Julie,

    Let’s see, how can I put this.

    I want to argue with you, but I can’t. I do the same. You say to everyone what I say to myself. Thank you.

    Mark

  3. I am amused. I would have the same issue with a lot of people at church… the groups that over did the praise and worship :/
    but overtym i realised its jus how everyone prays… we cannot judge!
    I wait for for your reflections every saturday!

  4. Very programmatic reflection, it has raised consciousness of my gestures at Mass and prayer meetings; and put them to question.

    Thanks.

  5. I’m sure what you say strikes a chord with most of us churchgoers. Sometimes you can’t help looking at others in church and mentally judging them for their gestures, their clothing and, one of my bugbears, the person who is always out of step with the rest of the congregation when saying the regular spoken prayers at Mass (I can’t help it, it really puts me off and stops me thinking about the content of the prayer because I am busy being annoyed with the person who is out of step). HOWEVER, I try very hard to remind myself that at least those people that I am mentally judging have actually turned up to Mass!

  6. We do not always know what is going on in the hearts and minds and lives of others. We must be careful not to judge or misjudge. But you are right we can not fool God! He sees and knows what’s going on!

  7. How far out of your way did you go, what did you do to extend to them warmth or kindness, model or exhibit the love of Christ?

  8. It’s hard to distinguish the sincerity of another. I’ve too have noticed a couple in church who over dramatize their piety. I also notice that they never shake hands with anyone during the kiss of peace. And I noticed that they always go to the priest line for Holy Communion instead of the layperson’s line. It is off putting. After listening to your reflection, I am going to simply pray that they one day find it in themselves to share their love of God with those around them. We are, after all, a community of sinners. Thanks for the excellent meditation.

  9. Loved your reflection, gave me thoughts for the day and still thinking. Thinking of all the “sermons” I internalize to people whom I don’t mean to judge, but do, and have to repeatedly catch myself up and tell myself to listen to the brilliant sermon I’m giving, ha ha. Guess this will go on forever. One thing, though: I feel more critical of the old time parishioners who never stopped by your table at all, nor made any move, either, to join or welcome the newbies. Anyway, thanks for your reflection! God bless.

  10. Thanks for the meditation. Such characters are everywhere. If you are not careful theycan distract you from yor deep prayer.
    Only God sees in every corner of our hearts

Post a Comment

Your email address will not be published.