Time to Get Your Hands Dirty

08-21-2022Letter from the PastorFr. Don Kline, V.F.

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

We hear so much today about science. For some people, science is like a god to them. Of course, science has done so much to help humanity. There are many serious diseases that have been conquered. Humanity owes a great deal of gratitude to the incredible scientists who have made our lives better. But there has been (and will probably be for our lifetime) those who believe that God is not essential. Many evil forces have tried to “rid” God from our lives.

I came across this slightly humorous, but slightly disturbing reflection dealing those who wish to “do away” with God and all that has to do with God. The story begins by introducing a representative of a group of scientists who made an appointment with God to deliver some bad news. The distinguished scientist was ushered into God’s presence and began by sharing with God all the achievements that human ingenuity had accomplished throughout history.

After speaking to God in this way for a while, he ended his thoughts by saying, “God, I would like to thank you on behalf of humanity for all the centuries that you guided us and were involved in our lives. But the truth is, you are no longer needed. It’s time for you to go.”

God listened to this whole presentation very patiently. When it was over, he said, “Well, I understand your position., but I think that before we sever ties completely, it might be good for us to test whether you’re really able to make it on your own. So, if you’re willing, I would propose a small contest. I’d like to see whether you would be able to create a human person as successfully as I have been able to do.”

“No problem,” said the scientist. “I’m confident that we can do it.”

“Now this won’t be easy,” said God, “because what I would ask you to do is to create someone just as I created Adam, out of the dust of the earth.”

“Well,” said the scientist, “we have not been able to do that yet, but I am sure that with a little bit of time we will succeed. I confidently accept your wager.”

“Fine,” said God. “Go ahead. Start.”

So the scientist smiled and he stooped down and took a handful of dirt into his hands.

“Wait a minute,” said God, “Go find your own dirt!”

We are very blessed with so many gifted and talented people who make the world a better place. Our own community of St. Bernadette and our school, St. John XXIII, does much good for our world due in large part to the efforts and the abilities of numerous talented and generous individuals. But it is easy for us to forget that all that we have and all that we do is accomplished only because God first blessed us.

Let us pray that we never forget that God gave us dirt. Because we are successful, it is easy for us to imagine that our ultimate union with God, our salvation, primarily rests upon our own good actions and works. We can forget that here, as in all things, we are totally dependent on God’s graciousness. God has given us everything… even dirt.

BACK TO LIST