The Catholic Just Rubbed Off

Immigrants who have come to America tend to settle together in areas and neighborhoods.  We all like the comfort and familiarity of language and culture and even religion. 

Decades ago a farmer either bought or inherited a farm in a settlement of protestants.  Now, back then feelings were still pretty hostile about religion, and the new folks were Catholic.  Immediately, talk began about “running them off.” 

This probably wouldn’t have been done with violence, but rather by undercutting the family’s business and discriminating against them – shunning.  Folks can take only so much of that. 

The protestant pastor did not like the attitude of his own people, but instead of arguing with them, and instead of preaching sermons, he took action. 

He had heard that the new farmer’s wife was a skilled seamstress.  So the pastor and his wife decided together that, instead of the pastor’s wife teaching, they would send their three daughters to the home of the Catholic lady, and pay her to teach the girls to sew and to cook. 

The results were stunning.  The talk stopped immediately.  And since the protestant pastor was respected by his congregation, some other girls were sent for lessons too. 

It’s true, some of the “Catholic” just “rubbed off” on those kids and they grew up with a little more respect for others, and as a result, the protestants in that community became better protestants, and the Catholics in that family became better Catholics. 

Isn’t it ironic that a little love and a simple act can melt our worst fears and teach us about a God who is so much greater than the small world in which we live?

Of course, in today’s world sewing and cooking wouldn’t be the topics taught – perhaps dancing instead.