We
never think of the consequences of our hurting words and haughty bout of reactions
even to petty and silly things. We never
think before we say, act or react to the untoward incidents that happen in our
lives. When our ego is hurt, we become blind.
Hurt ego makes us demons. Many a
times that which happens as a result of hurt ego is irrevocable actions and
reactions. Hence we are to be very
careful and should think before we act and react. “…let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to
wrath …” advises
St. James in the Bible (James 1:19).
I wish to give two incidents to which I am a
witness. When I was posted to a new
parish as its Vicar, on the first Sunday of my taking charge, after the Holy
Communion Service, a note was given to me as I was coming out to make the
announcement. The note mentioned that a
particular person passed away. I lost my
temper but did not react at that time. I
started the announcement that so and so passed away after which I was thinking
of adding, “Is this the tradition of this Church? Why no one let me know of the death before
hand”. But as I announced the name of
the person, someone in the first pew asked, “How did you come to know of it?”
He then added, “He was staying alone in the house.” I profusely thanked God for not reacting too
soon.
I was a witness to the second incident. During a baptism ceremony, the officiating
person was offended because when he came out for the sacrament, he saw a lady
sitting in the first pew (Our Church tradition is that when the priest comes
out from the holy of the holies – we name it madbaha – the congregation is
supposed to stand). Being hurt because
of the ‘disrespect’ he announced that everyone should stand during the
worship. The lady sitting in the front
did not respond. The priest shouted and
said, “I have told everyone to stand.
You are not supposed to sit during the worship. Those who cannot stand should go the back of
the Church.” When this is shouted out,
the person sitting in the front went to the back row. After the Service was over, the person came
to me crying. I found that that lady had
come directly from the Cancer Care Centre travelling about 150 kms just to attend her granddaughter’s baptism. She
could not stand because of the chemotherapy she has undergone. If only the
person who officiated thought that there must be some reason for her to sit! He
could have asked, “Why are you sitting?” or ignored thinking himself that there
must be some reason!
People
make mistakes. But the actions we take
while in a rage will haunt us forever.
Pause
and ponder. Think before you act. Be patient and try to understand.
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