Getting lost in the white stuff.

Scenario:

Tom is on his way to church one snowy Sunday afternoon. A late sleeper, he always attends the last Mass offered by his small town church. While pulling into the parking lot, he notices a man trying desperately to push his car out of a snow bank, where it had obviously slid. The man is enormously grateful as Tom moves to help him. After pushing for several minutes, Tom realizes the job is going to require a good bit of work, and Mass begins in mere moments. If he continues helping, he risks missing the last Mass of the day. However, if he leaves, the man will be unable to dig his car out, and may be scandalized by Tom’s sudden departure. What should Tom do? What would you do?

If I were presented with the problem that Tom was, I’d stay and help. I think that Our Lord would understand, especially given the fact that He healed on the Sabbath. If I was unable to make it into Mass before the Readings, I would offer a Spiritual Communion. Helping one another is what Christ asks of us. How do we know that the person stuck in the snow wasn’t Our Lord in disguise, after all, "whatsoever you do to the least of my brothers, that you do unto me."
Lauren Cleeland, Lexington OK

While charity is important, and a big part of living as a Catholic, Tom shouldn’t get his priorities mixed up. The very heart of the Catholic religion is the Eucharist, consecrated and consumed at Mass. By missing Mass — and a Sunday obligation, no less — Tom is ignoring what is most important. He needs to explain to the motorist that he cannot miss Mass; it’s just too vital for him as a Catholic. Far from being offended, the stranded motorist might actually be impressed. Oddly enough, Tom leaving for Mass could be a powerful witnessing moment for the other man. After all, he might wonder, what’s so important about Mass that Tom needs to get there, no matter what?

I’m sure if Tom explains (briefly) to the motorist why he needs to get away, the man will understand. After all, God needs to come before all things, even snowbound drivers.
Jerry McMahon, via e-mail

I don’t see how Tom can leave the man there to try to dig his own car out. After all, he stopped to help him. If he were to help for a few minutes, and then drop the whole thing to run off to Mass, the guy would think that Tom’s just a hypocrite — helping when it’s convenient, but ignoring him when it isn’t. That’s no way to be a Christian.

I know Mass is important (obviously), but Tom did make an effort to go. God knows his heart, and God would also know why Tom decided to stay and help. Ultimately, he would be staying out of love for God and the desire to be a more effective witness for Him. Running off at a crucial moment wouldn’t provide that witness.
Rose Krell, Boston MA

Explain your problem to the man, invite him to Mass to get warm, and, after Mass, recruit several other men to help you free the car from the snow bank. The gospel in action.
Terrye Newkirk, Eufaula OK

Next Month’s Scenario:

Teresa has a problem. Her new mother-in-law is an ardent feminist and vocal opponent of the Catholic Church. She never misses an opportunity to attack the Church’s stance on contraception, women priests, abortion and homosexuality. Unfortunately, she chooses the most inappropriate times to do so: at family get-togethers and holiday dinners. As the "new" member of the family, Teresa doesn’t feel comfortable challenging the mother-in-law in front of her husband’s siblings and family — the mother is clearly admired by them. At the same time, she can’t let these attacks go unanswered. Teresa’s husband understands her discomfort, but doesn’t want to stand up to his mother (who isn’t used to being challenged) for fear of causing family friction. What should Teresa do? What would you do?

E-mail your 200-word or less suggestion to brianpl@erols.com, or mail it to "What Would You Do?," Envoy Magazine, P.O. Box 640, Granville, OH 43023.

e