"Perplexing Plastic"
In the 1960’s the promise of
a career in “Plastics” seemed like a sure bet, in contrast to the problem where
plastic pollution endangers our environment today.
In a scene from the movie
“The Graduate” Ben, a recent college grad (played by Dustin Hoffman) is
questioned about his future at a graduation party. A scene I’m sure many of our
high school and college graduates can appreciate as we approach June and the
long-awaited Summer months. Mr. McGuire steps in, pulls Ben aside with the
intention of some sage advice, “Ben I have one word for you...plastics!”.
As I contemplate the trajectory
of faith and spiritual life, various words enter my mind as I answer the call
toward a relationship with my fellow parishioners and with God. Words like
struggle, trial, joy, authenticity, service, and very recently, plastics enter
the frontal lobe.
When we shop at the grocery
store, we are asked the question, “...would you like to pay for a plastic bag
for your items?”. At what cost do we take on plastic? Though I appreciate the
need to clean up our earth, I am not focusing on that excess of plastic in our
lives. I’m looking toward the plastic defenses we build about ourselves,
emotionally and spiritually. In a world where we believe we are more “social”
with social media, we face the challenge to be authentic, to recognize our
shortcomings, and work to deconstruct the plastic personas we project in public.
I admire those who are less concerned about other’s opinions and seem to be comfortable in their own skin. As I look back to those I admire, it is the humble authentic people who I love just for the person they are.
Fred Rogers, from the PBS children’s show, got it right:“Knowing that we can be loved exactly as we
are gives us all the best opportunity for growing into the healthiest of people.”
“Emotional Plastic” can drive a wedge through our hearts.
Plastic protects, but also insulates, creating a seemingly permanent barrier to
ward off the interaction. We can surrender to the notion that we are protecting
ourselves from the poisoned people of this world or we can begin to risk
infection and engage our fellow man on a deeper level.
No one in this world escapes hurt, everyone cries. I believe
we can be true to our faith if we just take a leap to remove the plastic
shroud, we put upon ourselves and risk an encounter of love. Jesus provides us
the model for action. Jesus was not afraid to reach out to the marginalized,
the poor, and the outcast. Jesus risked ridicule and scorn, challenged the
religious and political hierarchy all the while healing those in dire need.
Superficial appearances can’t fool everyone. A “pretty”
church may be attractive for wedding ceremonies, but the spirit of welcome,
worship, and witness resides in the hearts of the parishioners as the Holy
Spirit moves through us. Renovating one’s heart is a personal journey aided by
God’s good grace through humble servants. Don’t be sold on plastic!
I remind myself that I need to risk getting dirty, by
encountering my community in the areas where I am least comfortable, by opening
to the possibility of hurt, or rejection as we strive to encounter the Divine
Source of Love and return to right relationship.
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