November 3, 2006
“If you can’t give an example, you don’t really know what you’re talking about.” I believe it was the great Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen who stated this simple truth. Indeed, he was a master orator who could present the most sublime theology in a way that everyone could easily understand. He accomplished this difficult task by presenting the listener with everyday images and examples common to a huge audience, whether they were blue collar or blue blood.
As a priest, I often call to mind these words of Fulton Sheen as I prepare a homily or a conference. I ask myself, “What example can I offer my listener or reader?” When I draw a blank, I say to myself, “you don’t know what you’re talking about, do you?” How thankful I am that my first assignment after ordination was giving youth retreats. It was good training in this regard as I had to learn the skill of keeping the attention of sixth graders while giving them the essential facts of the faith—talk about a challenge! Yet, after two full years of talking to kids, I learned to simplify and explain theology, which would later be very helpful in speaking with adults. I learned that if you want someone to eat aspirin, you better hide it in a lot of apple sauce!
We all know that for many people spiritual truths can be as dry and bitter as an aspirin. At times we hear people say they don’t like “religion being shoved down their throats,” yet, the same people swallow huge portions of baloney served through television and radio advertising! Millions of dollars are dished out every day by marketing experts to sell products or services which in due time will tarnish and become quite passé. As many of our friaries are in the inner city, it’s hard not to notice that besides baggy pants and sneakers, bright white tee shirts are “in”. I suspect some popular rap artist wore one in a music video and the rest is history—and money. I’m waiting for some popular actress to appear with a toilet seat around her neck to see if that catches on in Hollywood!
Why is it that when it comes to religion, we often fail to capture people’s attention and keep their interest? Why is it that so many find something so powerful and beautiful as faith boring and a burden? Well, we all know there are no simple answers or solutions, yet perhaps one facet of the problem lies in our inability to give others a good example. Could it be that our neighbors, co-workers and friends may be thinking to themselves, “They don’t know what they’re talking about!” Perhaps they’re right.
When Our Lord wanted to explain sublime truths he did so by presenting earthy examples. He peaked the interest of everyone—farmers, fishermen, and homemakers—by speaking of seed sown in the soil, nets cast into the sea, and leaven kneaded into a lump of dough. Our Savior took everyday events and experiences and used them to give His listener a glimpse into eternity. Although the example was small, the lesson was big—the image or example was like a keyhole or a tiny crack through which one could take in the entire horizon on the other side.
In the opening chapter of the Gospel of Saint John, we are told that The Word was made flesh,” that is, the Son Who dwelled in eternity with the Father and the Spirit before time began became a man in the womb of the Virgin Mary. Although the Word always existed, Jesus was born in Bethlehem physically bearing the appearance of His mother, yet essentially being one with His Father. Therefore, He would resemble God in His thoughts, words, and deeds. In short, He became for mankind the living example of the Invisible, Immutable, and Omnipotent God.
Our Savior did not only speak the truth, He lived it, because He is the Truth. He didn’t only talk about patience, purity and sacrificial service, He gave an example of these, not in an idea or image, but in Himself. One has only to look at the cross to see He really knew what He was talking about. Now, what about us?
Fr. Glenn Sudano, CFR
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