Like so many of you, I suppose, I was disheartened to see the President post a picture of himself as Pope. Some people identified it as a joke, others were offended.
I think the lesson for all of us has to do with respect. Respect for the living, respect for those who have died, and respect for the leader of the Church.
I was at a church meeting many, many years ago and I watched as an adult man made a disparaging remark towards a member of our parish, who is not of American descent.
I was shocked. I couldn't believe what I had just witnessed. The lack of respect that was exhibited due to this person's ethnicity was sickening.
And what was the response of the attendees at that meeting, including myself? Silence. Nobody held him accountable. Everyone just let it slide and moved on.
Which is worse, what he said, or our silence?
Today, I believe, I would never let something like that slide, but I wasn't as mature as I am today, and I wasn't even sure I heard what I thought I heard.
Whether it is a disrespectful picture, an insulting comment, or simply a lack of common decency, the way we treat each other reflects who we are as a human being, as a nation, and as a child of God.
We need to become a nation of people who exercise decency, in all things--clothing, language, behavior and especially our treatment of others.
Perhaps the President thought he was being clever, since he told someone recently that he'd like to be Pope, but, as a Catholic, I found it to be an insensitive, inappropriate thing to do, especially after we had just lost a beloved member of our family.
Be kind and consider what you say and what you do, toward your family members and strangers. Pray for forgiveness for those you have hurt, intentionally or even unknowingly.
We can all do better, don't you think?
Janet Cassidy
Email me at: jmctm2@gmail.com
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