Friday of the Second Week of Advent

Readings of the Day 

How did Jesus process a bad day at the office? How do we process a bad day at the office? Whether we serve in housing, nutrition, counseling, resettlement, education, administration, or a parish setting, it is important that we recognize co-workers and clients who have our backs.

Years ago, I ran into a local mayor at a fundraising event for a residence for unwed moms and their children. We knew each other before I began my service as a diocesan social action director, but it was my city hall appearances and letters to the editor in which I advocated for immigrants and those seeking permanent housing that caused him to say to me, "You are a source of division in the community." 

The comment really stung; I was not prepared to immediately respond (and the setting was not appropriate for a debate with a mayor, anyway). A few days later, I told one of my religious superiors about the confrontation. Fr. Herring simply replied: "Congratulations; you are doing your job."

In today’s gospel Jesus faced opposition from Jewish religious authorities; he even sounds irate with those who second guess him. Like him, we too will encounter difficult people in our service with marginalized folks. But by healthfully balancing our ministry with prayer and conversations with trusted mentors, family, friends, and co-workers, we will be strengthened to continue the journey.

Steve Herro is a religious brother from St. Norbert Abbey, De Pere, Wis. A past CCUSA staffer, he presently lives serves as an archivist, administrative assistant, blogger, and spiritual direction intern.

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