I realize that I haven’t actually posted anything about Lent, even though it’s one of the most important seasons of the liturgical calendar. And now it’s Holy Thursday already. So, this is kind-of about Lent (sort-of. there’s something else I’ve been thinking of writing, and I might post it in a few days).
You know the sort of people who have authority over you, but you really don’t think they should? Or maybe you’re lucky enough to never have had that experience, but I think most people have.
It could be a parent, a teacher, an older sibling or other relative, a coach, a boss, or anyone like that. They’re the type of people who tell you to do something but never do it themselves. Who are biased and inconsistent. Who are constantly badmouthing other people, and never respect your opinions, but expect you to obey them anyway. And you pretty much have to, because not doing so will just make life more difficult for yourself.
Last Sunday at church, our priest talked about how during this Holy Week we should think about the person in our life who causes us the most pain. Then instead of cursing them interiorly, pray specifically for that person during Holy Week (for anyone who doesn’t know, that means the week leading up to Easter).
It seems to me that it’s those people who cause one the most pain; for me, anyway. :P You can for the most part ignore a younger sibling or classmate if they’re being a jerk, but you can’t do so with a parent or teacher! Ignoring them will usually just make the think you’re not respecting them.
Also, a person should , in a perfect world, be able to respect those in authority over them. When one can’t, I think they realize something’s wrong, at least subconsciously, and so it makes them uncomfortable and sad or angry.
So what can you do about those whom you have very little respect for as a person, but you have to respect their authority? Well, firstly, of course, if you believe in God you can pray for them (for the sake of both of you :p).
And remember that the person is there for a reason; for example, there’s a reason your dad is your dad and not the other way around. No one was born where they were randomly. Both people can grow out of every relationship because of it in a way they couldn’t otherwise, if they’re willing to let themself.
Trying your best not to annoy the person isn’t a bad idea either. It’s interesting how “Honour your father and mother (this doesn’t refer just to parents, but to anyone in authority)” is the fourth Commandment― the bridge between those referring to God and those referring to other people. It’s also the only one with a promise: “That it will be well with you and you may live long on the earth”. (Obviously, that probably doesn’t mean that honouring those in authority over you will automatically add a few extra years to your life, simply that, because those you are listening to are generally older and wiser, you’ll avoid some mistakes you could’ve made and perhaps have better quality and length of life because of it.)
I think that’s because God put those people there; so honouring them (in all that is not sinful) is honouring God, even though they may be vastly imperfect.
Most importantly, as with all those one doesn’t get along with, try to avoid hating them. Love is much better. There is good in every person, even if it’s really hard to see.
Considering and reconciliation with other people really fits the spirit of Lent; preparation for the greatest feast of the liturgical year. So even though Easter is in three days, I’d been thinking about that and I thought I might as well post it. :P
On another note, this is 5 posts in less than two months! For me, that’s a record. :3 Haha. :D
Happy early Easter everyone!!
~Shadoe Dystopya
