By Fr. Glenn Jones:
Probably every budding young scientist has been fascinated in putting drops of food coloring in a glass of water and watching it spread throughout—diffusing until evenly distributed throughout the whole volume. Perhaps thus began in many the beginnings of scientific curiosity.
Now, early in the Bible’s Old Testament one finds quite a bit concerning cleanliness and uncleanliness of food, objects, etc., especially in the book of Leviticus which outlines much of the early Jewish moral and ritual laws. Certain foods were deemed unclean to eat, pork perhaps the best known of these. But that “unclean” classification applied extensively to those who had various illnesses as well—leprosy and like skin diseases being lengthily addressed.
And so, we can think of clean/unclean more in the modern sense of “uncontaminated/contaminated”. Prior to the recent pandemic, many would have read those Jewish restrictions and thought them extreme, but now perhaps see them in a whole new light of their period wisdom, especially when we remember that few effective medicines were available those thousands of years ago. What might be thought minor today could have proven fatal back then. Abundance of caution was simply wisdom.
During the pandemic—especially early on when the virulency and transmission was still not well known—you’ll remember how scarce soap and hand sanitizer became as people became consumed in ensuring they and theirs were not contaminated by the COVID bug. Better safe than sorry, as it were, because of the general knowledge that many viruses/bacteria are spread by touch, ingestion or mucous membrane contamination. So, when we read in the early Jewish law how unclean things by touching clean things made the clean things unclean, we understand better. After all, clear water poured into the glass in our example above doesn’t “clean out” the dye, but rather the dye is just given more volume in which to spread.
And we might apply this same principle to the moral sphere—the “dye”, for example, of our own actions to those around us, especially to those most impressionable.
When we do anything observed by another, we may, or even likely, influence the other’s ideas of what is the norm or acceptable to be done, whether it be good or bad. Unfortunately, bad influence seems often more contagious than good influence, because doing good virtually always involves some level of self-sacrifice and we humans have that selfish tendency to “look out for Number One”. We hoard to ourselves and seek our own pleasures and comfort, often at others’ expense. We might remember the riots of the last few years: as a few individuals start breaking things, the mob mentality can spread quickly, aided by an assurance of individual anonymity in actions when the individual’s chance of being arrested and held to account is much less.
But such actions don’t have to await a mob to influence others. As any parent knows all too well, children are remarkably observant—and malleable. As goes the parent, so often goes the child in a “hand that rocks the cradle” carrying forward of values and actions. If the parent lies or cheats or is unfaithful to his/her spouse, then the child may come to see that such is simply how life goes, and emulate/imitate the same. If the child observes his parents disregarding or disrespecting the grandparents or those of lower socio-economic status, then what will that parent receive when he himself is the grandparent, or himself is down and out? Once again, the 70’s “Cat’s in the Cradle” song serves as a contemporary warning.
But, on the flip side, if the parent gives the good and honorable example—respects his own parents, is scrupulously honest, regards well all other people, is charitable to the needy, etc., there are few children who will not be influenced in at least some measure to practice the same. Even if the children stray in the confusion of early adulthood, they very likely will default to that early teaching and example as they come to greater wisdom—much to the credit of their parents. Is that not what most people want their children to become, not only successful and secure in their well-being, but good and kind and thoughtful of others? How myopically ignoble it is to seek only the good of self and one’s immediate circle, and to dismiss the less fortunate or in need. If we do, we mustn’t then be surprised when what we sent around comes back around.
Of course, charity is a cardinal principle and ideal of Christianity (and many religions)—to seek to do good to all others. Both Jesus and the apostles emphasize this, such when Paul addresses the marks of a true Christian, quoting at some length: “… hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good; love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honor … Contribute to the needs of the saints; extend hospitality to strangers. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly … Do not repay anyone evil for evil, but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all … if your enemies are hungry, feed them; if they are thirsty, give them something to drink … Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:9-21)
When our “dye in the water” are acts of virtue, these too can spread throughout our community. When others see an enlightened joy in those concerned for others, it helps defeat the animalistic self-interest and seek to advance betterment of all.
Should the good person, then, not try to extend such goodness in whatever occupation in which he finds himself—to help diffuse that “dye of goodness” to those around him … and perhaps even beyond? After all, we all exist together in this single “glass of water” we call earth, and what we do to others might one day be reflected back onto us, whether the good or the bad. Let us strive then, in whatever we do, to echo Jesus: “[I] came not to be served, but to serve.”
Editor’s note: Rev. Glenn Jones is the Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Santa Fe and former pastor of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Los Alamos.
