I admit that this is an unfortunate aspect of my character. What I perceive as determination communicates as stubbornness. What I perceive to be strength of character and convictions comes across as aggression and bullying. What I perceive to be initiative others perceive as ambition. What I perceive as being pro active others think is lack of consultation. When I think I am minding my own business others think I am aloof, or snobbish even. What I perceive as single mindedness comes across as insisting on my own way. What I perceive to be clarity of vision and understanding of complex problems comes across as being an insufferable know it all.
Alas, the Scottish bard was right: "O would some power the giftie gie us to see ourselves as others see us.
Therefore, for the pleasure of all those who find me to be some sort of frightening Jeremiah--a prophet of terrifying demeanor--a veritable voice of one crying in the wilderness--a Jerome, a St John Chrystostom--an incorrigible curmudgeon--a series of uplifting and charming posts shall follow....
Not me, Father! Honest! Never ever, not even in my rudest moments, (and I admit that there may have been one or two of those,)- no, not once have I ever thought of you as a Jeremiah. Really. Truly.
ReplyDeleteAfter all, Jeremiah was usually right...
only usually?
ReplyDelete"Angry"? I don't see it. Critical at points, yes. Is it angry to be critical of something when it deserves criticism? Or is it Pollyanna-ism to say all is well when things need criticizing? Heaven forbid we have a *priest* of all people who voices 'conservative' types of criticisms. That is such a throwback to the old days that something must be wrong. He must be angry. Or deluded by the Tea Party? Or secretly have a problem with women. But... he's married. Oh, well then obviously it s simply anger.
ReplyDeleteYou must have heard of English understatement!
ReplyDeleteAs I like to say, "Your vices are my virtues."
ReplyDeleteThis morning I thought I had fallen into the bizarro universe until I scrolled down far enough to read "Bald Angry Guy." Whew!
ReplyDelete(Man, do I hate that footprints in the sand "poem." Whenever someone sends it to me I want to strangle someone.)
Anyway, I don't think you've been "'angry' and 'fightening'." Prophetic, yes.
--C.B.
Fr, You could just tell them that you are learning from your new patron, St Jerome.
ReplyDeleteOr, maybe St John. He refused to go into a bath house because there was a heretic in there and he said the stench was unbearable. The heretic spontaneously combusted.
Did you read the gospel this past Sunday? I did not feel too warm and cuddly by the end of that! So you are in good company with our Lord.
ReplyDeleteWhew, this is better. The other posts were making me think you went round the bend.
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately, everyone tries to be so "nice" these days that an honest, stinging comment is perceived to be dogmatic, rude, or bigoted. It's hard to speak the truth in this atmosphere.
ReplyDeleteEveryone ought to read some of the strong documents of the Church before Vatican II. Read the pronouncements of the Council of Trent--and let him be anathema!
Father, thanks for your blog. I learn many things here and enjoy all of your comments.
Some twenty years ago there was a dispute in one of our church schools which went public - and I was vocal in my opposition to the proposed change, saying that the school would be irretrievably damaged.
ReplyDeleteOne of my opponents wrote to the local weekly newspaper and called me a Jeremiah. The following week they published my reply thanking him for the compliment!
And yes, what I gloomily prophesied did indeed come true: the change took place, and now that school is no longer in existence.
Good for you Vic!
ReplyDeleteActually I found your posts to be honest and real. I love your blog, on the other hand, I have a more difficult time with people who "over-intelligize" things and put words in our mouths...and try to make honest real people look like they are saying something else. ;-) keep up the good work sir!
ReplyDelete