by Fr. Justin Fulton
Today, I share with you a “memo” that was shared with me during my seminary years at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary in Philadelphia. I do not know where this “memo” came from, but I have always kept it with me after all of these years. Have a read….
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To: Jesus, Son of Joseph
Woodcrafter’s Carpenter Shop
Nazareth 25922
From: Jordan Management Consultants
Dear Sir:
Thank you for submitting the resumes of the twelve men you have picked for managerial positions in your new organization. All of them have now taken our battery of tests; and we have not only run the results through our computer, but also arranged personal interviews for each of them with our psychologist and vocational aptitude consultant.
The profiles of all tests are included, and you will want to study each of them carefully.
As part of our service, we make some general comments for your guidance, much as an auditor will include some general statements. This is given as a result of staff consultation, and comes without any additional fee.
It is the staff opinion that most of your nominees are lacking in background, education and vocational aptitude for the type of enterprise you are undertaking. They do not have the team concept. We would recommend that you continue your search for persons of experience in managerial ability and proven capability.
Simon Peter is emotionally unstable and given to fits of temper. Andrew has absolutely no qualities of leadership. The two brothers, James and John, the sons of Zebedee, place personal interest above company loyalty. Thomas demonstrates a questioning attitude that would tend to undermine morale.
We feel that it is our duty to tell you that Matthew had been blacklisted by the Greater Jerusalem Better Business Bureau; James, the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus definitely have radical leanings, and they both registered a high score on the manic-depressive scale.
One of the candidates, however, shows great potential. He is a man of ability and resourcefulness, meets people well, has a keen business mind, and has contacts in high places. He is highly motivated, ambitious, and responsible. We recommend Judas Iscariot as your controller and right-hand man. All of the other profiles are self-explanatory.
We wish you every success in your new venture.
Sincerely,
Jordan Management
Consultants
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Isn’t this a great memo? I love it. I guess it shows a good contrast in human wisdom vs Divine wisdom. I think it also gives us great hope, especially during Advent.
Jesus doesn’t want us to give up on ourselves. Nor does He want us to give up on Him. So many of our clients at Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska—and frankly, ALL of us—sometimes give up on ourselves. Jesus doesn’t give up on us. And He doesn’t want us to give up on Him.
This Advent tell Jesus how you need Him to come into your life. Tell Him what you wish to be saved from. Perhaps it is despair, depression, loneliness, grief... whatever it is, talk with Jesus in prayer.
Jesus is the Hope of the poor. And all of us—whether we admit it or not—are the poor.
May you have a blessed Advent. Come, Jesus, deeper into our hearts. You have a home right here in them.
May God bless you all.
