“As a teenager I remember resenting how adults would try and prevent me from doing what I pleased. They would often warn me not to ‘learn the hard way’ that something was wrong. I would often be told that I should learn from them and their experiences not to make the same mistakes they did. The rebel in me thought that it might be fun and pleasurable to ‘make a few mistakes of my own.’ Of course I pridefully thought that I would escape the consequences.
“In the end of course they were right, and one the most valuable gifts I have received from others to have learned from their experience. As a pastor too I must say that my staff has preserved me from innumerable errors through their expertise and long experience with the parish.
“The word ‘experience’ comes from the Latin experientia, meaning the act of trying or testing. More deeply it comes from two Latin words, ex (out of) + periri (which is akin to periculum, meaning peril or danger). Hence ‘experience’ refers to those have endured trials, perils, testing, and dangers, and speak out of these to us so we don’t have to endure such things. It is a very great gift!”
In a recent commentary, Monsignor Charles Pope (pastor of Holy Comforter-Saint Cyprian Parish, Washington, DC) reflected on the importance of learning from experience, including the experience of the Church.
To access Msgr. Pope’s complete post, please visit:
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