August 16, 2026 The Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time
In a recent interview, Jonathan Swan, a journalist at the New York Times talked about the riggers and hard work required to produce factual journalism. He stated this process is important because journalism is the first draft of history. This description of journalism caught my attention. Time and new developments might change the narrative of how events might be reviewed but making every effort to describe an event or person correctly, setting a good initial foundation at the outset is important and creates confidence in reporting.
We are taught to be truthful and fair in reporting what we see and hear on a daily basis. No one likes a liar or someone who gossips with incorrect information about others. We want our life stories to be truthful and consistent with our performance. We may need to accept some criticism, but that comes with praise for our achievements. Unfortunately, there have been the times when most of us have gone “low” and “dragged someone in the dirt.” Often this was done to elevate ourselves and lessen someone else. We felt the need to make ourselves look better than others. Remember Jesus telling the parable of the Pharisee who looks at the tax collector in the temple and thanks God that he is better than the tax collector and the rest of humanity. How often have we sounded like that Pharisee?
I hope those who have seen and witnessed the life of Brother Paul Hoffman will offer an honest appraisal of my life. I will be the first to declare it has not been a flawless life. God knows I have had my share of screwups and mistakes. I have not always utilized the best judgement throughout life. I have also done some decent things throughout my life experience. All I ask is that history judges me fairly.
This is what we all hope for; for our life stories to truly reflect what our days on this earth accomplished and perhaps how we could have done better. In the stories of our lives, there should be one very important common denominator—they are stories of how God has touched us and called us forth in holiness and love. What a story of history that is and one to pass on.
As we move about and communicate what we have seen and heard, let us craft an authentic and true first draft of our common journey together. Let it reflect our accomplishments, our limitations, and mostly what God has called us to and our faithful response to that call, so that future generations can see and be amazed by God’s action and influence in our world.