Many years ago, I read a quote in a book that has stuck with me. It said, “How we do anything is how we do everything.” I am not certain who is the original author, but I have read it many times since in a variety of places and contexts. When reflecting on the readings for today, this quote kept running through my mind.
The message in the Gospel of Luke and in Paul’s letter to the Romans is certainly relatable to our current times. We only need to turn on the nightly news or read the newspaper to find examples of a clean cup on the outside, but perhaps not necessarily so on the inside, particularly in politics. But we do not need to look “out there” to see examples that are even closer. Perhaps we see the institutions we belong to (at work, play, and worship) that have a stated mission, but whose actions transgress that mission when it comes to decision-making about finances or social positioning. And certainly, our personal lives are not immune to a shiny outside, but dirty inside either. Sometimes we go to church so that we are noticed for fulfilling our “obligation” or “prescribed washing” as the Pharisees put it, but are not very present with God or our community while there. Sometimes we give of our time through volunteer activities and money through annual donations for the same reasons. The examples seem to be everywhere. And the more I reflected on my own actions, the more instances I was able to remember.
Rather than dwelling on past transgressions, my attention keeps moving me towards the quote, “How you do anything is how you do everything.” In other words, do it for the right reasons all the time or don’t do it at all. What are my true and most genuine intentions? Do I give my time to others because I am genuinely interested in their well-being, or is it because of some other reason? When I “feed” the poor with food, clothing, presence, and spirit, is it because I am genuinely interested in having a relational exchange with them, or is it something else? I think this is what Jesus is saying. Having a genuine intention toward the good, both inside and out, makes for a genuinely shiny cup. And our deepest selves seem to know this. As the Alleluia said, “The word of God is living and effective, able to discern reflections and thoughts of the heart.” Because within the heart comes genuine intention. In the last line of Luke’s gospel, Jesus said, “But as to what is within, give alms, and behold, everything will be clean for you.” If how we do anything has genuine intent toward the good, then we will be clean (well) because this is how we will do everything.
Tom Lenz
I am a native of Carroll, Iowa, and originally came to Creighton as an undergraduate student in 1988. My wife Nancy and I have four children, two of whom graduated from Creighton. I started my first faculty position at Creighton in 1999, and I am currently a professor in the Department of Family and Community Medicine in the School of Medicine. I direct a Master of Science program in Integrative Health and Wellness and teach compassion science courses to medical and dental students.
It is truly a blessing to be part of the Daily Reflections writing team. Each time I have the opportunity to write a reflection, I am reminded of how rich the readings are with wisdom, love, and kindness. And being able to connect in some way with all those who read the reflections is a joy beyond words.
