Contaminating Others

Instead, he should be politely told to depart, lest his wretched ways contaminate others. (RB80.61.7)

Our attitudes and habits can be contagious for good or ill. If I am in a horrible mood where nothing seems to be going right in the world, it is easy to share some of my misery with others--my co-workers, my clients, my students, my relatives, my friends.

Afterall, isn't it just being honest and being myself to complain to everybody in sight? If something is wrong, shouldn't everyone know about it?

What I find is that I can quickly move on with my life--after sharing my misery with others. I forget quickly. The people I infected with my pain though don't usually recover as fast. Many times others are still suffering well after I have moved on to something else.

Am I being mindful of the damage that my habits and attitudes can cause?

Sr. Catherine, OSB