Jumping Over the Altar Rail and Calling People Moron – November 2, 2017

Last Wednesday night (during First Reconciliation Prep class) three of our dear sweet second grade boys jumped over the Altar Rail as we were walking from the Chapel into the Church.  In front of God and everyone — right there by the St. Joseph Altar.  The boys saw a three foot high railing, took it as a challenge and hurdled over it. 

My co-catechist Stephanie McElwrath (a wonderful Rockhurst University OT grad student) reminded me that they didn’t mean to be disrespectful and, after all, they are seven year old boys with a lot of energy.  It drives me crazy when people are careless about the sacred space of our church building.  But I know it is MORE IMPORTANT to be careful with the hearts and minds of seven year old boys.

Did Joseph ever have to remind Jesus to be reverent in the synagogue in Nazareth?  I suspect so. Jesus was a seven year old boy once and the Scriptures tell us he grew in “wisdom, grace and age” (Luke 2:52).  I can imagine Joseph correcting Jesus with love and patience. I can imagine Joseph treating the child Jesus with reverence.

“Reverence” is a gift of the Holy Spirit that empowers us to show respect for God, God’s People, God’s Creation and all holy things.  That respect is the beginning of building a relationship, and building relationships is the beginning of building a better world.  Too often we (I!) fail to show reverence.  We’re careless with our words and actions and aren’t respectful.  Or, worse, we decide that some people don’t deserve our respect or care and use our words and actions to hurt and damage. 

But here’s the thing.  We are called to treat all people with respect, even – ESPECIALLY – those with whom we disagree.  We are called to treat everyone with care, even – ESPECIALLY – those we consider “the enemy.” We’re called to respond to all the hate and sin and failure in our community with love.  A President, an NFL football player, a seven year old boy with a lot of energy.  I am called to reverence all God’s people.  It’s a challenge.  It’s a hurdle.  But we can do it, with the Holy Spirit’s power.