I’m a “24″ addict. If you’re not familiar with the show, Kiefer Sutherland plays Jack Bauer (above), the US Counter Terrorism agent who always saves the day. My DVR is set to record each episode. Every Monday after 9:00 Night Prayer in the seminary chapel, my friend Fr. Dave and I rush to my living room to watch what is always an intense episode.
The problem with 24, however, is that men who watch it actually start to believe that they have Jack Bauer-like abilities. It’s called delusional thinking.
A couple of years ago I tried to be Jack–and failed. The priests and seminarians of Our Lady of Providence Seminary were in Washington, DC for the annual March for Life. I and the three priests who staff the seminary stayed at a guest residence for bishops and priests. After Mass at the basilica, we got a ride back to the residence. That’s when the problem began, and that’s when I tried to be Jack Bauer.
There was a security gate at the driveway entrance. We couldn’t get in. We rang the bell over and over but nobody answered. Would we be out here all night? How would we get in? So, I thought, “Michael, you’ve seen Jack get shot at; you’ve seen him drive off the third story of a parking garage, crash, and live; you’ve seen him save the United States! Be a man, Michael! Be like Jack! You can use your Jack-abilities to scale this security fence.”
My friend, Fr. Al, encouraged me to go forward with this idea; Fr. Dave was a bit more hesitant; Fr. Tim watched in disbelief and prayed for my safety. None of them were willing to be Jack. But I was ready.
I raised my left leg and put my foot into Fr. Al’s cupped hands. He boosted me up and I began to climb. When I reached the top of the gate, my feet were tightly wedged–more tightly than I’d expected–in between the metal fencing. It was not as easy to maneuver up there as I thought it would be. Hunched over I stared down, and directly below me was a large bush.
I began to wobble…and to doubt my Jack-abilities; but I was committed. I was Jack.  I lunged forward trying to avoid the bush, but ended up bellyflopping into it, cutting my arms and legs, damaging the bush…and my pride.  I took a minute to roll out of the bush and watched with disbelief as the gate opened.  They’d figured out the password. There was raucous laughter.
I share this humorous story with you because there’s a spiritual lesson to be learned. Each of us is unique. There is no one in the world like you or me. God created us with unique gifts, talents, and personalities all to fit the very special mission he has given to us. But sometimes we try to be like someone else or we try to be the person others expect us to be.
I’m inspired by the saints, and I can do my best to imitate them (note: I’m not comparing Jack to a saint!). But I’m not called to be St. Francis or St. Ignatius or St. Dominic. God didn’t create me to do what they did.  I’m called to be St. Michael Najim and to live the mission that God has entrusted to me. And you’re called to be a saint and to live your mission.
Yes, we can seek inspiration from saints and other virtuous people, but remember that God has created you for a special mission that no one else can live. Live the life of holiness that he’s calling you to live. Don’t be the person others expect you to be; be the person that God created you to be. The only way to know your mission is through prayer.
In the next couple of posts, I will write about how to know and live your mission. It’s in living our God-given mission that we will experience deep fulfillment and joy in this life.
For your homework: take some time to pray and think about the gifts that God has given to you. Write them down, and see if you’re using them. Oftentimes the gifts that God has given us point us toward our mission.
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great post – I am enjoying the frequency of your posts…check daily for some inspirations and guidance….Thanks Fr. Michael!
Have a great weekend….maybe for a change this weekend you can watch some old MacGyver re-runs…:)
Was never into MacGyner…but I can watch some old 24 episodes!
Thanks for reading and commenting.
Father,
This post made my day and certainly gave me my Friday chuckle as I envision you scaling the gate!
My favorite line however, “Don’t be the person others expect you to be; be the person God created you to be.”
Kerri
It’s tempting to want to become like someone we admire. Who wouldn’t like to be strong and smart and gifted! (Of course, with all those gifts come all those responsibilities!) Anyway, thanks for reminding me that God created us with our own unique gifts and our own special missions.
Your post also reminded me to appreciate the people in my life for who they actually are, and to not expect them to be someone who they are not. (As much as we might wish for our families to be like the Waltons or the Bradys…..)
Anyway, thanks again for giving me lots to think about!
Fr. Michael, I have never seen an episode of 24 but am familiar with Kiefer and can attest to his great talent as an actor.
Thank you for sharing this story and for publishing this post. I think it’s true that confusing inspiration and aspiration is a trap we all fall into once in a while. The people or characters who inspire us, real or fictitious, can influence our aspirations. If we take the time to really know ourselves and be true to our essence, then we’ll have a lot less conflict and a lot more joy in our doing and being.
Thank you for this post, Fr. Michael. I laughed a bit and then could see myself in parts of it. It is hard sometimes to be the “us” God wants for us to be in the world these days.
Fr. Michael, Very right on. I ‘d admit that I have not totally got rid of my Jack Bauer Syndrome. If we begin with accepting God’s call for us and His creation in us, then He can begin to work with us and through us!
Coach Theresa
Fr. Michael, Iwas just curious how you handle (or weed out) Spam from your site. I now have to activate the sign-in feature on WordPress in order to eliminate the barrage of Spam. Any ideas you share would be appreciated.
Coach Theresa
This is a wonderful story and post, thank you. I once jotted the phrase, “Live your own hagiography” into my journal. I had completely forgotten about that and the importance of doing so until reading this today. Thank you again for the very crucial reminder.
Peace.
Within the heart of every man there is an adventure to embrace and a battle to conquer! (I think this is from a book called Wild at Heart) Funny story Fr Mike. Thanks for sharing. – I request your permission to post this quote in our bulletin (under the youth section) “Don’t be the person others expect you to be; be the person that God created you to be. ” – I am looking forward to the followup posts so I can reflect on my mission.
@Kerri – Glad I made you smile. Hope to see you soon!
@JFP – Yes, we not only need to accept the person that God is calling us to be, but we need to appreciate the people in our lives for who they are as well. Good point.
@Belinda – Thanks, my friend, for reading and commenting. You and PC should rent the back seasons. You’ll be hooked!
@Nicki – Glad I made you smile. It’s not always easy to be who God is calling us to be, but that’s why we need prayer so much.
@Theresa – Not sure that I’ve gotten completely rid of my Jack Bauer syndrome, but I’m trying. I’ll email you about the spam.
@Basenji – Love that journal entry! “Live your own hagiography.” Great thought!
@Michelle – I love “Wild at Heart.” Read it twice. John Eldredge is a gifted author. There is something about Jack Bauer’s character that appeals to the heart of every man. Feel free to use my quote.
I know that God loves you very much and that St. Michael Najim will surely have a place in heaven… because the Holy Spirit always manages to help me to find exactly what I need in your messages. Count on my prayers always…
Annette,
You’re too kind! Thanks for your prayers.
What a great post! I love 24 myself. I don’t ever wish I was Jack Bauer, but I know what you mean. How hard it is to simply be the person that God has loved into being… And yet it is what we are each called to do and to be.
Fran,
Thanks for commenting. That’s a good way to put: God has LOVED us into being. When we realize this, we can live each day being Loved.
I have a greater problem with my family and friends thinking I am Jack Bauer, although I agree that McGyver was more my style. They seem to think I am capable of doing anything, amazingly well, even if I have never done it before. I know God has given me many gifts but sometimes I feel like I let everyone down if I am not able to accomplish the impossible, without needing sleep or getting emotional at all as well. Then I get caught up in their enthusiasm and start thinking maybe this is God’s plan for me. How can we learn to better judge when it is something God wants us to be doing and when it is really our own need to be needed instead. Also, do you do Spiritual Direction at all or know where I can find one, mine is being transfered. Thanks as always for the inspirational message though, God bless always.
Christine,
“How can we learn to better judge when it is something God wants us to be doing and when it is really our own need to be needed instead?” Great question. The answer can only come from a fearless, prayerful examination of the desires of our hearts: which are the desires that come from the Lord and which come from us. I think the ones that come from Him are always accompanied by the fruits of the Holy Spirit.
You can email me about your other questions.
Peace!
Hi Fr. Mike,
What do you mean we’re not the Waltons, or the Brady’s!!!! We definitely put the FUN in Dysfunctional. I loved your story ( I didn’t hear about that one, I would have laughed also!!) but I loved your lesson even more. Thanks for sharing.
Luv, Mom
Kind of…or maybe exactly like…the true/false self. Thomas Merton said, “To be a saint means to be myself.” Interesting to think of ourselves in terms of the figures we always look up to in the faith! It certainly has helped me look at myself (and my potential) in a whole new way.
I’ve just stumbled across this blog as I was googling for something. This and the previous related article touched me deeply. I am at the stage of discerning what God is desiring for me and making the changes in my life to be the person He has created me to be. Your blog was a gift from Him today for me. Thank you.
Thank you for reading. I’m glad you found my blog helpful.
Peace!