We have probably all seen an email or blog post with some funny but wrong answers kids have offered on tests. One of the most famous is this:
Recently was sent a few that I have not seen before, including this one.
This answer left the teach a bit concerned about the mother’s influence on her child.
As it turns out the child was drawing a picture of her mother with a snow shovel at her workplace Home Depot.
The moral of the story is that we should be careful about being too literal (as in the first example) and remember that appearance can be deceiving (as in the second).
This could also be an object lesson about how to apply canon law.
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Oh that is a great parallel with applying canon law. I’m going to try to remember that one next time I feel frustrated that canons seem to be ignored or applied only to those who are inclined to be faithful while rebels get a pass.
snopes says it’s just a legend:
http://www.snopes.com/embarrass/mistaken/shovel.asp
Yes, unfortunately I have been humbled a number of times after I thought I “knew” something and discovered I was way off base. It’s a common theme in the Bible, too. Jesus was always taking time to help those who other “holy” people didn’t want to give the time of day. I think it’s important for all Catholics to focus inward, educate themselves about their faith and really strive to live it, rather than concentrating their attention on what other people do.
“This could also be an object lesson about how to apply canon law.”
Yup. As I’ve had occasion to point out more than once over the years, “A professional knows the limits of his knowledge. An amateur does not know the limits of his knowledge. A dilettante does not know that there are any limits to his knowledge.”
“This could also be an object lesson about how to apply canon law.”
Yes. Yes yes.
I also really like what Dr. Peters said – “An amateur does not know the limits of his knowledge.” This is especially important for laity who attempt to use canon law to justify their positions…or argue against others.
Thanks, Father Z. The shovel sales person made my day!
LOL! Loved it, especially the “pole dancer”/Home Depot employee. It does remind one always to get the facts straight before going on the warpath.