Moral Superiority And

As the days begin to become just a wee bit longer, and my period of meditation is indefinitely extended, several mottos of youth return.

One I have mentioned several times recently, “Keep the Faith.”

However, there is another. Words totally forgotten that were stressed one autumn weekday when I was seated in a crowded Cathedral High School classroom. The NYC parochial school was then situated directly across the street from the fabled Waldorf Astoria Hotel on the east side of Manhattan not far from the Cardinal’s residence.

I have absolutely no recollection what provoked the lecture from our irate teacher as she stood in front of fifty rebellious females.

Oddly enough, I do know exactly what instigated a memory today of the words she uttered that afternoon.

I confess it was because I desperately needed to be admonished about becoming “Holier Than Thou.”

Exiting an elevator this morning while planning to retrieve my mail, an unknown guest was waiting to enter. In my moralistic opinion, the gentleman was standing far too close to the door, not observing the new guidelines of distance.

My rapidly growing anxiety antenna immediately went into focus. Rather than a charitable or even mundane greeting, I glared at the poor stranger as he entered the elevator.

Still wondering, “What is wrong with him?”, quickly I utilized the container of sanitizer resting on a nearby table in order to cleanse my hands.

Then as I stood alone in the empty room, I remembered the phrase, “Holier Than Thou.”

It was at that precise moment I realized that I am guilty. I have begun to descend rapidly into the swirling pool of moral superiority the young nun had warned her students about.

My problem is unrelated to religion, politics, or even relationships, but most definitely about the new CDC guidelines that are changing momentarily.

Perhaps there may be a tinge of common sense hidden in my unfortunate reaction this morning, but I confess, very little.

I have begun to wear the cloak of superiority about Coronavirus precautions in the new world we now inhabit.

It is buttoned tightly with emotion and probably has a hidden lining of panic.

Because I remember the good Sister’s words, I am taking it off right now.

I also hope I don’t find myself wearing it again in the unpredictable days ahead.