Perhaps we are subconsciously reacting to the weak economy or the lack of jobs or the disintegration of the societal structures that were so prevalent for so many years (if not generations). Perhaps, because of a new era of transparency and accessibility, those who used to be infallible (politicians, clergy, "stars," etc.) are now very fallible (is our schadenfreude is so insatiable that we want them to fail?). Or perhaps ... perhaps we are so terrified of our own failings that the only way we know how to cope is to voraciously point out the failings of others.
The Y-Wing.
Not a bad ship, per se. According to our friends with the Wookieepedia, they are quite capable craft - workhorses even. But, when I see a Y-Wing, I think of one fact: Y-Wings failed. During the first film, Y-Wings were supposed to destroy the Death Star and X-Wings were support, but after the last Y-Wing was destroyed, X-Wings had to take care of business.
We fear failure, especially our own failure. Not only do we fear failure, but when we do fail, we refuse to process failure. We merely move on, put it behind us, and want to forget about it. I certainly understand - failure is painful and failure can brutalize our self-worth. But failure can be an amazing opportunity for growth and learning. I know I have learned much more about myself and improved as a father, husband, and priest when acknowledging and facing my failures.
Institutions are even worse than people. Businesses, churches, organizations, etc. are failing everyday and yet they refuse to acknowledge their failure and learn and grow from it. Leaders of such institutions may fear that acknowledging failures might insult members or indicate weakness to competitors. The Church, especially the Main Line, could learn volumes from our failures. Our pews are empty, giving and participation is plummeting, our voice, if we have any, is slipping away. But instead of learning and reasserting our relevance, we blame small things or believe one small change can fix it (a new building, a new clergy person, a new ... insert your pet project here). As my friend and colleague Eyleen Farmer often points out, the Church is in the Resurrection business (isn't that why we started in the first place?), so we should preach that Resurrection is happening, even after death, even after failure. Failure is not the end and failure that is healthily processed can lead to greater successes. Success? Ooo ... I like success!
I keep this quote by Henry David Thoreau on my Facebook wall:
"I think that we may safely trust a good deal more than we do. We may waive just so much care of ourselves as we honestly bestow elsewhere. Nature is as well adapted to our weakness as to our strength. The incessant anxiety and strain of some is a well-nigh incurable form of disease. We are made to exaggerate the importance of what work we do; and yet how much is not done by us! or, what if we had been taken sick? How vigilant we are! determined not to live by faith if we can avoid it; all the day long on the alert, at night we unwillingly say our prayers and commit ourselves to uncertainties. So thoroughly and sincerely are we compelled to live, reverencing our life, and denying the possibility of change. This is the only way, we say; but there are as many ways as there can be drawn radii from one centre. All change is a miracle to contemplate; but it is a miracle which is taking place every instant."
In this Advent, may we eschew our fear of failure, and accept the gift that is the Christ Child. That gift assures us that we are loved unconditionally and fully, regardless of success or failure. And the ultimate act of that Child, his death and resurrection, further assures us that despite our success or failure, redemption is assured. Remember that next time you devalue someone else, or even worse yourself, via something as small as a mere failure.
Have a great day. See you Tuesday. Blessed Advent.
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