Dear Friends,
You never know who might be watching. The other day, someone mentioned to me that he had seen me at a particular restaurant. I don't remember which one it was, but as soon he they told me, I immediately started searching my mind to try to remember if I had done anything stupid on that occasion. As is typically the case, my conscience was clear. You never know who might be looking, so it is a good idea to be on your best behavior!
Being a priest, I learned very quickly that as a public figure, there are more people who know me than I know them. Whether I am at a movie theater, a grocery store, or a restaurant, chances are someone will recognize me. This means that we priests always have to be conscious of how we conduct ourselves, no matter where we are.
There was one instance when, as a young priest, I took a little time to go on vacation with a fellow priest to South Padre Island. After months of long hours and hard work, it was good to get away. I looked forward to spending some time relaxing on the beach and reading a good book. On the first morning, I woke up, put on a swimsuit and walked out onto the beach. I threw a towel onto the sand and laid down to catch a few rays while my brother priest went into the surf for a swim. Laying there, the stress began to fade away while I thought about how nice it was to get away from people and have some peace and quiet. I shut my eyes for a few moments when all of a sudden, I heard someone call out "Fr. Paul!". My muscles tensed up in surprise as I thought, "Could I be dreaming?" I heard it again. "Father Paul! Is that you?" I opened my eyes, and sure enough, it was one of the parishioners from the parish where I was assigned! You can run, but you can’t hide! Thank goodness that I had my wits about me and had maintained proper dignity and decorum!
I remember another time when I had decided to go on a backpacking trip with another friend to Big Bend National Park. We had hiked up into the Chisos Mountains and after "roughing it" for a few days, we decided to make our way back down a mountain trail to the campground for the last night. I was looking a little grizzly by this time, having not shaved for several days. I was wearing a bandana on my head and was drenched in sweat. Emerging from the mountains, I noticed a couple hiking up the trail toward us. As they drew nearer, The woman squinted a bit as she looked at me and yelled up the trail, "Father Paul? Is that you?" Not expecting to see someone I knew out in the middle of nowhere, I responded, "Yes. It's me." We chatted for a bit, then I pressed onward. Once I arrived at the campground, my backpacking buddy and I went to an outdoor video presentation on the features of the park. Sitting down, I heard a voice call me from behind. It was another church acquaintance who was also vacationing at the park! Twice in one day!
We never know who is looking. Our friends, our families, our children, and any number of other people see the things that we do and hear the things that we say. The way we conduct ourselves has an impact on those around us. In the Gospel today, Jesus alerts us to the effect we have on others. He impresses upon his followers, and us, that if anyone causes a person to sin or leads them astray, "it would be better for him if a great millstone were put around his neck and he were thrown into the sea!" That's pretty serious!
In other words, the Lord is cautioning his disciples, and thereby us, to not give scandal or it will be our downfall. People are watching us. Our children see how we behave and they imitate us. People see whether we act as true Christians or not. It can mean the difference between drawing a person closer to Christ or pushing them away. Let’s all strive to give good witness and not scandalize those who are weak of faith. We can find our help in Christ and one another. God bless!
Fr. Paul
