Every single one of us has expectations or made expectations about someone. Did they work? Probably not because you or others feel judged. We expect people to be on time for work, dinner, hanging out, or what to look for in a man or woman for serious relationships. It is extremely tough for you or someone else to live up to expectations. It’s not going to happen, but that still does not stop us from critiquing someone.
I watched the movie Doubt tonight. It is about a priest (Phyllis Seymour Hoffman) in 1964 who is accused of “having relations” with a 12 year old African American boy. He is the only one in the school and the principal (Merill Streep) becomes suspicious of his actions. She confronts him about these actions and tries to justify for herself what he did was wrong. She does not take into account the boy might be homosexual (according to his mother), wants to have someone care for him (the boy is beaten by his father regularly), and just wants to be accept. Merill Streep’s character also does not take into account the pastor’s compassion, emotions, and feelings toward caring about the boy. She is very rigid, all about the rules, and comes off as very cold. The question is which feelings should be expressed and what should she expect from the priest?
I always wonder why we demand expectations. Are we just looking to satisfy ourselves? What do we expect from our families, friends, boyfriend/girlfriend, husband/wives, or the Church? Do we expect miracles from our pastors? Do we want them to cater to our every need? Do you doubt or have questions? That last question should come naturally because maybe expectations or other aspects of faith we do not understand.
God knows we doubt, struggle, suffer, and feel insecure constantly. Issues about homosexuality, abortion, economy, environment, poverty, and things of culture weigh on our minds. How does faith play into these? Those are hard questions I do not have all the answers to, but what I can tell you is God knows your doubt and questions. He knows the expectations and burdens are weighing down on you, but you can go to Him (Matthew 11:28). Jesus Christ brought love and compassion, not expectations and judgment. We all need love and a need to want to grow in our lives. God will take you there and loves you no matter what expectations you feel, doubt and questions you have, or problems you face. I hope we will all treat others with love and respect, not expectations and judgment.
