Fr. Don's Daily Reflection - May 28, 2024
Psalm 62: “In you alone is my soul at rest. My help comes from you.”
One of the terrible truths that marks the end of our innocence is learning that not everyone is going to like us. And, in many cases, there is nothing we can do about it. For legitimate reasons or not some don't like our looks, our behavior, our traits (so lovable to others), the way we talk or walk or hold a cup or smile or laugh.
If we've been brought up in a loving family, among friends and kind neighbors, it's a shock to realize that no amount of good will and sincerity on our part is going to alter the indifference or antagonism of some. We'll often have to work with these people or in close proximity at least; while at our first job we might even share a house with some who feel this way.
There are, of course, cases where 'our charm or sincerity' does win over others and people who at first locked horns end up as friends, even husband and wife. More self-knowledge, some analysis of our own self might help. We will probably discover if we're honest that we have an inexplicable antipathy toward certain people. We will probably not even be able to say why or what irritates us.
This is where the practice of some ordinary politeness can be helpful. By it we practice good will and respect toward all those we encounter. If we were expected to like everyone equally we'd have a terrible time settling on a life partner; there would be no difference between people.
The prickliness we feel in human relations, whether rooted in ourselves or others, is simply a sign of life's imperfection. Self-knowledge can teach us tolerance and even understanding of those who seem so uncongenial to us.
Psalm 27: “I believe I shall see the Lord’s goodness / in the land of the living.
Wait for the Lord; be strong; / be stouthearted, and wait for the Lord!”
