Bishop's Page

Reflection

A little less self–righteousness

Nearing the end of the summer term when my son was in P1, his class planned a trip to the Zoo. The children had been warned that if it rained or the weather was bad they would not been able to go. They had been looking forward to it for a long time so it was very important that the weather was ok. I knew all this of course and followed the day with interest.

It was a super day and all went according to plan. I was told afterwards by a mother of one of my son’s friends that on going to bed the night before this young man had wanted to ring me for help. He had been wanting to ask God for good weather for the zoo trip and felt he had a better chance if he rang me. In his mind I was the clergyman and he believed I knew God better.

I was amused at this compliment and yet I sometimes worry about the image of the professional religious person. That they have the answers to the difficult questions, that they have no difficulties believing, or that being a disciple of Jesus is easy for those who have signed up as professionals.

The older I get the more I am troubled by the suffering in people’s lives. The more I visit and talk with people the more I realise it can be very difficult to follow Jesus in this promise. There are many misconceptions and many religious clichés which are hackneyed and to be honest make me uneasy.

I as a person seek to follow the Jesus I love in my daily life – I am no better at it than anyone else – I have uncertainties and questions like most people and I need the support and friendship of others to help me along.

Maybe a little less self–righteousness and a little more honesty might be better for all of us. However, I am glad it was a good day for the children at the Zoo – my reputation with them is still ok!