Respect for Brother Hastings

Somebody did it again. In reply to a question I asked, he said, "Yes, Sir." It throws me back a bit when it happens. We had the children's choir last week and as I was givng them some instructions I said, "And now Mrs. Elvington will lead you...." I meant Laura. I was a bit shocked to hear myself say, "Mrs Elvington."

So I have been thinking about common courtesy, civility, respect and the like. I called a woman in the church today who is 19 years my senior. When she answered the phone I asked, "Mrs ____?" "Yes?" she replied. I think a little formality, a little civility, a little sign of respect could be good for me to give and to receive. I think it says something. And I think it may be a shadow of how we view God.

I went to all boys Catholic school run by the Jesuits for three years. I can still picture in my mind a door opening to our classroom, a black robe becoming visible, and all of us jumping to our feet to say good morning to Brother O'Brien, or Brother Ambrose, or Brother Hastings. I can still picture in my mind what they looked like. Woe to the boy who did not stand. Shudder the thought. Respect was expected.

God does not wear a black robe, and I have to admit I stood partly out of fear, but, He is worthy of more respect then Brother Hastings. He is Lord. Jehovah. Father. King

My view of God can be infected by my view of authority and seniority or vice versa. I think we have a call to mentor the next generation, maybe by respecting our elders a bit more then we do. Worship Well