By Julie A. Ferraro | FāVS News Columnist
There are many versions of the maxim, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”
It really doesn’t seem that difficult a tenet to follow, especially if a person nurtures self-respect and/or a sense of the value as a child of God. They should then be able to respect and value others and treat them accordingly.
Of course, as history shows — including the history of various religions — that hasn’t always been the case. Even today, certain segments of society continue to view those who don’t agree with their opinions, or are “different” regarding their culture, beliefs or origins, as lesser beings. They are denied respect, courtesy and dignity as fellow human beings.
When vocation directors go silent
Among the articles I’ve written for Catholic publications, I’ve interviewed quite a number of vocation directors — the individuals within a religious community (men and women) who are the “first contact” for those exploring a vocation as a vowed member. All too many of these vocation directors, receiving inquiries through online forums or databases, never respond to the individual expressing interest or curiosity about the lifestyle and ministry of a particular community.
Not even so much as a “Thanks, but no thanks.”
Except, that’s their ministry: to interact with inquirers to discern whether that person might be suitable to join the others in their lives of prayer and service.
When asked about this situation, some vocation directors have explained that they’re simply too busy to respond to everyone who sends a message, especially to those who clearly aren’t suited to religious life.
Sadly, that disrespect of not even acknowledging a message can have serious repercussions on the other end, discouraging the seeker from even trying to explore religious life.
The other aspect of this dynamic occurs when the two parties involved in the discernment process come to the conclusion — mutually, or either — that a particular community isn’t a right “fit” for the individual. Even though the vocation director has pledged to help that person in their discernment, once the decision is made, the contact ceases. Then, the individual is left to continue their search alone. How devastating!
This is not an issue confined to vocation directors, certainly. I’ve lost count of the times when I’ve attempted to contact a person or business with a legitimate question and received no response at all. How that qualifies as customer service baffles me.
For someone eager to find meaningful employment, submitting a resume and being left to listen to crickets chirping leads that applicant to believe their skills are unwanted, worthless or, worse, that they wouldn’t want to work for a company that treats its potential employees that way.
What Jesus and the saints teach us
Perhaps an example that can be taken to heart is that of Jesus, who made time to welcome little children, the sick, the poor. He was never too busy to deal with people — even those who others might consider a “bother.”
We are all God’s children, loved and valued. Like St. Benedict writes in his Rule: All those we encounter should be treated as Christ.
St. Francis of Assisi went out of his way to care for lepers — the outcasts of society not only in the 13th century, but throughout human existence. Yes, before he came to accept the call he received from God to “rebuild the Church,” he treated beggars and the sick with disdain. But this Italian saint came to see Christ in each one of them, whether or not they met the standards of proper behavior, status or education.
So, next time a post pops up on the screen, take a second during the course of the same day — it rarely takes more! – to respond, even with a simple message like, “Thanks for your email. I’ll get back to you as soon as possible.”
Hopefully, others will do likewise when your email or call reaches them.
The views expressed in this opinion column are those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect the views of FāVS News. FāVS News values diverse perspectives and thoughtful analysis on matters of faith and spirituality.
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