During my freshman year of college, a senior told me to my face that she didn’t care for me, that she didn’t like me, and that I bothered her. Now mind you, I’d never met this young lady before. We’d never interacted. She drew conclusions about me without actually knowing me.
The point of this reflection is not to trash something that happened 15 years ago. Whether she drew unfair conclusions or I acted like an idiot doesn’t matter. What did matter was that there was immediately something to be overcome.
What if I was trying to teach her the faith? What if I was trying to introduce her to Jesus, and right away I had the hurdle that she just doesn’t like me? I can’t imagine she would care to listen to anything I have to say.
The lesson today is not “we must please everyone,” but I think we have a duty to present ourselves well, to do our part to be likable, to live a life that sets a good example. These things are important because we are seen, and the people we’re trying to reach will judge us by human standards. We don’t find our worth or our approval in other humans, but we also can’t neglect the importance of a smile, a kind word, manners, being presentable, being likable.
Let us pray. Heavenly Father, we know that You desire to use us to spread Your kingdom. Help us to get out of our own way, and let You work through us. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Keep fighting the good fight. Our Lady of Victory, pray for us.
