I would offer that one of the things I have learned from extensive travel and study is that something amazingly good exists in every person and in every culture. We honor God's genius by reverencing that good and by doing all we can to lift it up as a spark that reveals part of Gods luminance. We do a disservice to God's magnificence when we disparage or blot out the good we see in others and in ourselves. 

At the same time, I have come to recognize that where there is a strength, there is also a weakness. The deficiency never out measures the good and that is important to remember. As human beings, we can tend to weigh someone's faults more heavily, often out of our jealousy and envy, but for those who follow the path to holiness, weaknesses are not obstacles. They are areas for growth and deepening integration.

Such is the case with one of the great strengths of us as Americans. Our work ethic and capacity for production are second to none. No other nation in the history of the world produces as much as we do. No other nation works as hard as we do. We boldly enter the maelstrom of a significant problem with the belief that we can accomplish anything we set our minds to do. We can land on the moon, send probes to Mars, cure diseases, win wars, and anything else you can imagine. We believe that we are great, and that is good. 

It also leaves us with a tremendous blindspot. The undeveloped shadow side of our success is a certain unease with the gift of slowing down, enjoying the gift of being, and finding rest and quiet. But these are the places that we hear in the Gospel that Jesus wants us to be.  We hear the story of Mary of Bethany, sister to Martha, who didn't do the work, who didn't stress about the details, who simply wanted to be with Jesus. We have something to learn from her disposition. 

Our American strengths reflect the good gifts that God has blessed us with, but we should never let that gift obscure the gift that God also gives us, the ability to be in relationship with Him. God loves us not for what we've done, but for who we are. In the Gospel, Jesus praises Mary for her openness to just be present to him. That instinct is something that scrapes against the grain of our American culture. How can it be great to give up working and just being? How will that improve things?

As an experiment, I invite you follow Mary's example for a day, a week, or a month. Spend more time with Jesus and see how things turn out. Don't be surprised if in this experiment you discover that God is always proud of your capacity to make things happen, but equally joyed by being close to you as a friend. It's actually not a weakness. It's actually one of our greatest strengths. 

Discover the Difference with Saint Andrew School! 

Are you seeking a nurturing and enriching educational environment for your child? Look no further than Saint Andrew School, where Catholic Education comes to life through faith, excellence, and community. Our dedicated faculty inspires students to achieve their full potential academically, spiritually, and socially. At Saint Andrew, we blend rigorous academics with character-building values, fostering a sense of purpose and belonging. Experience our vibrant campus, where every student is known, loved, and challenged to grow. Choose Saint Andrew School today and invest in a brighter future for your child. Enroll now and join our family! We have an upcoming tour on May 13 at 9am. Sign up for a tour here: schedule a tour New student applications for the 25-26 can be found here: New Student Application 

Vacation Bible School

Rising Kindergarten through rising 4th grade students, take a “Road Trip” with us and join us for Vacation Bible School!  VBS will take place at Saint Andrew School on August 10, 11, and 12 from 5:00pm-7:30pm. Dinner will be served.The cost is $75/student or $100/family.  Tell your friends and neighbors, all children in the community are welcome. Spots are limited, register today!