Times Have Changed

"Those who insist on the dignity of their office show they have not deserved it."  Baltasar Gracian





It was a different world when I was ordained thirty five years ago.  I was resident in the province of Quebec where the Roman Catholic Church held a great deal of power and influence.  When I appeared in public in my clerical collar I was virtually indistinguishable from the Roman Catholic clergy and despite my youth, deference was always paid to me.  In many stores I was offered a discount on my purchases.  At any time I might be stopped on the street, but especially near a hospital with a request:  "Father, can I speak with you for a moment."  
Much has changed in the world and we have been through the horrible revelations of sexual abuse by clergy, the treatment of native children in residential schools and many other things that have exposed the darker side of the Christian church and its clergy.  Today, when I appear in public in clerical garb I am more likely to be disdained than to be treated with respect. Now, in order to get someone's attention in a positive way I must earn it.  It's not a bad thing.  After all we do need to be challenged to live authentic lives that reflect our decision to follow Jesus.  These things that are true for clergy are also true for the church as representatives of Jesus on earth.  What are we doing to earn the privilege of speaking into people's lives?  The answer is often - "Not enough."  Perhaps that would be a good place for us to start on our journey of evangelism.