“Comparison Game”

by David Lins  |  01/23/2022  |  (Being) Catholic Matters

I struggle with the “Comparison Game.”

Even professionally, I often fall into the trap of thinking others might’ve done a better job. I know the two good men who held the title of Director of Faith Formation before me. They are amazing dudes! I mean—sure—I booked Patrick Madrid for our Parish Advent Mission, but Leighton Drake probably would’ve snagged Jonathan Roumie (Jesus in THE CHOSEN) and Carlos Gonzales would have probably gotten Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI.

...and they both have much better hair.

But I sure I’m the only one who compares myself to others. None of you look at what your family members, friends, or neighbors can do and feels a little “less than.” None of you wish you could carry a tune. Or persuade people. Or have that car. Or be just a bit more intelligent. Or remember names better. Or be healthier. Or funnier. Or have the house with the insane view. Or be able to captivate an audience. Or have a better head of hair... Where was I? Oh yeah...

None of you fall into the “Comparison Game.” Or am I wrong? Possibly. After all, the phrase “the grass is always greener...” came from somewhere (but not from Arizona or it would’ve been “the Saguaro is always greener”).

On the off chance you ARE like me from time to time, this weekend’s Second Reading (1 Corinthians 12:12-30) has something to say to you.

Here are some excerpts: “As a body is one though it has many parts, and all the parts of the body, though many, are one body, so also Christ. Now the body is not a single part, but many. If a foot should say, ‘Because I am not a hand I do not belong to the body,’ it does not for this reason belong any less to the body. But as it is, God placed the parts, each one of them, in the body as he intended. Now you are Christ’s body, and individually parts of it.”

As part of Christ’s family, we ALL have parts to play. VITAL parts to play. Without us, the body—HIS body—is missing something. And that would be a tragedy.

In the end, some roles might appear more glamorous on the surface, but there is no greater honor than to serve at the pleasure of the King.

Comments, concerns, questions? Email David at dlins@oloj.org

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