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December 2007
What
Would Jesus Say/Do/Think?
Dear Friends,
In the midst of budget preparation
and building maintenance issues, planning
for Thanksgiving, Advent, and Christmas,
I began to wonder to what extent much
of this all-consuming activity, scheduling,
writing, and memo-making really had
to do with touching the lives of other
people. I wondered what Jesus would
do in similar circumstances. The answer
has been quick in coming: Jesus gave
us teenagers and young adults to help
keep our mission in perspective.
Example 1: Gregory Wright and the
members of Boy Scout Troop 55 conducted
an immensely successful food drive
for the needy on behalf of the Interfaith
Nutrition Network. The Cathedral congregation
and many in the community were exceptionally
generous. What would Jesus say? “When
you have done it to the least of these
[in the world around you, those in
need], you have done it to me.”
What a wonderful, life-giving activity!
Example 2: Jackie D’Aversa
gently challenged the Cathedral clergy
to take a more active role, especially
in preaching, to address worldwide
poverty and what we can do in concrete
terms to help meet that need. Nick
Cipollina and Jackie gave thoughtful
presentations at the Diocesan Convention
during one of the workshops. What
would Jesus say? “Well, they
understand. Do you?” Hmm…do
I? (We accept the challenge.)
Example 3: The November 3 “Evening
With a Touch of Jazz” was a
lot of fun for everyone, brought out
a large crowd of adults and young
people, raised some money for the
upcoming mission trip this winter,
and reminded us that living in a faith
community is sometimes about having
a good time with no other agenda attached.
What would Jesus say? “In addition
to sacrifice, I also urge you to enjoy
one another’s company as I enjoy
your company.”
Example 4: I am currently writing
letters of reference for some of our
college-bound folks. The words I find
myself using, again and again, are
the words “talented, committed,
and mature” in their life choices,
choices formed in no small part by
their Faith Formation here at the
Cathedral (through participating in
our excellent Choirs, Christian Education,
J2A/Rite13, Scouting programs, worship).
What would Jesus say? “You see
the results. Stay committed to Me
through these ministries.”
Example 5: At Halloween I loaned
StephenTamke a biretta (a priest’s
hat) and a heavy black clergy cloak
so that he could dress as a priest.
(Almost every year one of the kids
borrows something of mine for a costume.)
When I learned that Stephen had arrived
“in costume” for his drivers’
ed class, I wondered if he waved the
biretta (with its pom-pom) out the
window to signal turns. What did other
people think? What did Jesus think?
“Imitation is the sincerest
form of flattery.” What would
Jesus say? “How refreshing to
think of priests as ‘good guys’
once again!”
Now in a happier and more confident
mood, I am and remain
Faithfully in Christ
The Venerable Theodore W. Bean, Jr.
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