CMO 110: Who I Am is Not As Important As Who I Am!

 

"Let's Coffee Break!"

Hey there, Coffee Breakers! Now, before you get any grand ideas, I don’t expect you to be long-standing fans of this show or members of some exclusive coffee club—I just like the sound of it. Honestly, my last attempt at an episode sounded more like a robotic script-reader than an actual person, so I scrapped that version and decided to give it another shot—this time, talking to you live and unscripted. So, let’s dive into today’s Coffee Break together!

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Hey there and welcome back! I truly hope life is treating you well, and that you’re dedicated to loving God (yes, faith is a big part of my life), as well as striving to be an amazing neighbor—because aiming for “great” really is better than just settling for “good” (shout-out to Fr. Mike Schmitz for that inspiration). Let’s make sure we’re not just doing good for others but also for ourselves, and living out the dream God has set before us.

No worries, I’m not about to start preaching here—there are plenty of folks out there far more qualified and passionate about sharing the Word. If you don’t believe me, check out one of Fr. Robert Healey’s homilies, listen to Father Mike Schmitz’s talks, or catch Deacon Ken’s “Saintly Sips” for some real inspiration.

Just yesterday, I had a realization that really sparked something in me. Please don’t misunderstand—this isn’t coming from a place of negativity or self-doubt. Here’s what I discovered: “Who I am is not as important as what I do.”

I strive to love each person as I hope to be loved, but even more so, to love as the Lord loves us. I know I often fall short of that ideal, seeing both beauty and the brokenness in others as well as myself. When I notice those imperfections—our “fault lines” if you will—I like to lift them or those fault lines up in prayer, asking God to work in their hearts (and mine) so that His will may be done, guiding us to turn away from anything that separates us from Him. It’s not always an easy path, but it’s one I’ve always felt called to walk—although I don’t always do a very good job of walking that path.

I’ve never pretended or forced this kind of love; it’s never felt fake or rehearsed. I believe that’s why people tend to respond warmly—not to me, but to the presence of Christ Himself within me. I am only a vessel, allowing Him to work through me—not because He needs me, but because I am willing.

I don’t try to be more than I am. Staying true to myself keeps me humble, genuine, and sincere. That authenticity is what, I believe, others see within me, Our Lord, Jesus Christ, and it’s He that they respond to. When people are moved, they are seeing Christ reflected, not just me.

So, What Am I Saying?

What I am really saying ….

1. I try to love people the way God loves them

I make an intentional effort to love others with a Christ‑like love — not just emotionally, but spiritually.

• I see the person’s dignity
• I acknowledge the person’s flaws
• I pray for the person’s conversion and healing as I pray, they do for me.

I am not claiming perfection. In fact, I openly admit that I often fall short, but I still feel responsible to love people in a way that leads them toward God.

2. I don’t fake kindness or holiness

My approach to people is not an act, not a performance, not a “church face.”

• I don’t force friendliness
• I don’t pretend to be holier than they are
• I believe people respond to Christ shining through me, not because of me

In my mind, when people respond positively, they’re not responding to me — they’re responding to the presence of Christ working through me.

3. I see myself as a vessel, not the source

This is a classic expression of humility or so I am told.

• I don’t take credit for the good others see in me
• I believe God is the one doing the real work
• I simply allow myself to be used by God

What I am saying is this: “If anything good comes from me, it’s because God is moving through me.”

4. I prefer to stay grounded in who I truly am

I don’t try to be impressive, extraordinary, or spiritually superior.

• I do my best to stay humble
• I do my best to be sincere
• I do my best to be authentic

Because of that authenticity, people don’t just see me— they see Christ reflected in me, and that my friends, is all that truly matters.

In short:

I am saying:

“I love people the best I can. I pray for them. I don’t pretend to be something I’m not. If people see goodness in me, it’s because they’re seeing Christ, not me.”

It’s a statement of humility, spiritual responsibility, and a desire to be a transparent window through which others can glimpse God.

I hope this all makes sense to you because sometimes it just flies over my noggin. But I digress.

Have a great weekend. See you next time. God Bless.