Be Careful What You Say!

As teachers, we know that our young charges hang on every word we say. Put another way, you never quite know what they will hear and retain, much less how they will interpret it. Misunderstandings arise. Confusion sets in. Next thing you know you are sitting in the dean's office explaining your words to an upset parent while the dean looks on listening intently. Sound familiar?

As we grow older, we choose our words more carefully. We soften the edges and encourage the dialogue. So, it is with amazement that I read about the Pope's blunder in Regensburg. The Pope is a scholarly man who was a professor at the university. Unfortunately for the Pope, he is now a world leader whose every word and gesture is examined under that powerful microscope which is the media. Quoting remarks out of context is the media's stock in trade. It's all about the story. You would have thought that the Pope's handlers would have advised him better. Or perhaps they couldn't. (Do I detect a touch of hubris here?) Ponder the Holy Father's situation as you teach your classes this week. There, but for the grace of God, go I.