Fr Jim Cogley
I like the story of the little shopkeeper who was struggling for years to keep the family business afloat. The final straw came when a large chain store opened just opposite his that was certainly going to close him down. Was there anything he could do he asked a wise old man? He was told, ‘If you fear the owner of the chain store you will hate him and hatred will be your undoing. So, might I suggest that each morning walk out of your shop and bless your business wishing it prosperity. Then turn towards the chain store and bless it the same way’. At this he was more than surprised. ‘Imagine blessing my competitor and destroyer’. Again he was told, ‘any blessing you give him will rebound to your good and any evil you wish him will destroy you’. Months later the shopkeeper met the wise man and told him that as expected he had to close down his shop, but things were never better because he was now manager of the chain store!
What does it take to be a true reformer? Is it someone who shouts loud, waves banners and organizes protest groups? Is it someone who draws their energy for change by being anti something else? Some eastern wisdom and many mystics would suggest something that seems an utter paradox; namely that the true reformer is the one who sees something as being perfect as it is and able to leave it alone. They look at it with the eyes of love but not with judgment. This begs the question that if this were to happen would there be any wish to reform anything? Of course, change is necessary, but it is best when it comes through us rather than being a product of our self-effort and less of an ego-centric exercise. This involves a process of inner transformation where in the words of Ghandi, I have first embodied in myself the change I want to see out there, and so that change can now happen in a totally respectful and non-violent way.
A newly ordained priest was invited to give a speech at a public assembly. It was a daunting task, he was nervous and invited his former teacher to be present and to evaluate how fit he was for bring the Truth to others. His discourse turned out to be very inspiring and was received very well. Towards the end a beggar came up to the platform and the man immediately stopped his presentation, took off his coat and gave it to him. He then continued his talk. His listeners were impressed and edified by such a magnanimous gesture and he won the approval of all, except his master who later told him that while his words touched the hearts of many, he himself was not yet ready to be a true truth speaker. Slightly annoyed he asked why not? For too reasons he was told. ‘First you did not give the man a chance to voice his need and you assumed he needed a coat. Secondly you are not yet above needing to impress others with your virtue.’
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