My co-worker shared this story with me yesterday, and then I searched for it online. I found it categorized as "funny joke". However, I don't think it is funny. What do you think?
A man was being tailgated by a stressed-out woman on a busy boulevard.
Suddenly, the light turned yellow, just in front of him. He did the right thing, stopping at the crosswalk, even though he could have beaten the red light by accelerating through the intersection.
The tailgating woman hit the roof--and the horn--screaming in frustration as she missed her chance to get through the intersection. As she was still in mid-rant, she heard a tap on her window and looked up into the face of a very serious police officer. The officer ordered her to exit her car with her hands up. He took her to the police station where she was searched, finger printed, photographed, and placed in a holding cell.
After a couple of hours, a policeman approached the cell and opened the door. She was escorted back to the booking desk where the arresting officer was waiting with her personal effects.
He said, "I'm very sorry for this mistake. You see, I pulled up behind your car while you were blowing your horn, flipping off the guy in front of you, and cussing a blue streak at him. I noticed the 'Choose Life' license plate holder, the 'What Would Jesus Do' bumper sticker, the 'Follow Me to Sunday School' bumper sticker, and the chrome-plated ’Christian Fish' emblem on the trunk. Naturally, I assumed you had stolen the car."
Why do I think this joke is NOT funny? Maybe, because I have been a passenger in the car too many times where Catholic Christian drivers behave this way. It makes me sad, because not only do we take off our Christian hat on the road, but in restaurants, and basically any and everywhere. We know what we represent, but if x, y, and z happens, THEN we have the right to behave in this and that way, right? I mean, you would respond like this too, if it happened to you .... and THAT makes it ok.
I think that the police officer's response is great, and reminds me of the song: "They will know we are Christians by our love." It also reminds me of St. Francis and his encouragement to "preach always and speak only when necessary".
I am serious about my faith, but this made me reconsider how I behaved today and yesterday. What do others actually see when they look at me? Do they think I am a hypocrite? Or do they believe I am what I claim, a follower of Christ, a disciple of love, a Catholic?
Marks of the follower of Christ (1 Cor 13):
• Patient
• Kind
• Not jealous
• Not boastful
• Not proud
• Not self-seeking
• Not easily angered
• Keeps no record of wrongs
• Does not delight in evil
• Rejoices in the truth
• Protects
• Trusts
• Hopes
• Preserves
Am I all of these, in all circumstances, and with all people? If I am not, what lame excuses do I give myself to justify "my exception"? Do I blame others for my behavior?
I am serious about my faith, but this made me reconsider how I behaved today and yesterday. What do others actually see when they look at me? Do they think I am a hypocrite? Or do they believe I am what I claim, a follower of Christ, a disciple of love, a Catholic?
Marks of the follower of Christ (1 Cor 13):
• Patient
• Kind
• Not jealous
• Not boastful
• Not proud
• Not self-seeking
• Not easily angered
• Keeps no record of wrongs
• Does not delight in evil
• Rejoices in the truth
• Protects
• Trusts
• Hopes
• Preserves
Am I all of these, in all circumstances, and with all people? If I am not, what lame excuses do I give myself to justify "my exception"? Do I blame others for my behavior?
