Beware of misplaced focus

By Fr Stephan Alexander

General Manager, CCSJ and AMMR

In many ways, my last two Catholic News columns sought to highlight the dangers of misplaced focus. This occurs when we give too much attention to one element of the truth or one aspect of our Christian vocation while neglecting other, often more important aspects.

The column entitled, ‘Jesus … lost and found’ (November 17) highlighted how the busyness of ministry can shift our attention away from Jesus and the call to be kind and loving to each other. Similarly, in ‘Being aware of our tunnel vision in ministry,’ (November 24) I emphasised how believers often separate the realities of worshipping God from loving our neighbours.

Our Lord, and by extension the Church, understands this tendency to misplace our focus. Biblical teachings repeatedly redirect us to the core of Christian mission: loving God, serving others, and advancing His kingdom.

In its simplest form, these teachings encourage us to do the right thing, in the right way, and for the right reason. Yet, this clarity can sometimes be lost when we become consumed by secondary concerns.

At its core, our faith calls us to a relationship with God and with others. When Jesus was asked to identify the greatest commandment, He replied, “You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind… and … You  must love your neighbor as yourself” (Mt 22:37–39). These two commandments summarise the entire law and the prophets, demonstrating that love is the foundation of all Christian action.

Yet, misplaced focus can distort this foundational principle. For instance, we may prioritise the externals of worship—rituals, programmes, or even personal piety—while neglecting the needs of those around us.

Alternatively, we might pour ourselves into acts of service while overlooking our spiritual connection with God. Either imbalance risks emptying our actions of their true purpose, reducing ministry to a checklist or performance.

The Church consistently teaches that worship and service are inseparable. Pope Benedict XVI beautifully captured this idea in Deus Caritas Est (God Is Love), writing: “A Eucharist which does not pass over into the concrete practice of love is intrinsically fragmented” (§14). Participation in the liturgy is meant to transform us, equipping us to live out the Gospel in practical ways.

The parable of the Good Samaritan (Lk 10:25–37) offers a vivid reminder of this unity. The priest and the Levite in the story likely saw their temple duties as their primary focus. However, by failing to help the injured man on the road, they missed the essence of the law they sought to uphold. True worship of God is reflected in love for neighbour, especially those in need.

Another danger of misplaced focus is the temptation to pursue good things in the wrong way. For example, some might justify unkindness or division in the name of defending the faith. Yet scripture teaches us to “speak the truth in love” (Eph 4:15) and to ensure that our actions reflect Christ’s humility and compassion.

Similarly, when serving others, it’s important to examine our motives. Are we acting out of genuine love for the other? Jesus warns against performing righteous acts for show, saying, “Beware of practicing your piety before others in order to be seen by them” (Mt 6:1). Doing the right thing for the wrong reason undermines the integrity of our mission.

In addressing misplaced focus, the Church consistently calls us back to the essentials. Pope Francis, in Evangelii Gaudium (The Joy of the Gospel), emphasises the need for a missionary focus that centre on the joy of the Gospel and the love of Christ.

He writes: “Before all else, the Gospel invites us to respond to the God of love who saves us, to see God in others and to go forth from ourselves to seek the good of others” (§39).

This invitation is a call to simplicity, to let go of distractions that dilute our efforts. It reminds us that our efforts must serve the larger goal of drawing us closer to God and each other.

Misplaced focus in the Christian life often comes from good intentions but can lead us away from our true calling. Whether in ministry, worship, or service, we must continuously ask ourselves: Are we doing the right thing? Are we doing it in the right way? And are we doing it for the right reason?

By returning to the essence of our faith—love for God and neighbour—we can avoid the distractions that divide and distort our efforts.

As we go about our daily lives, let us strive to integrate worship and service, ensuring that all we do reflects the love of Christ and advances His kingdom. In this way, we will remain faithful to the mission entrusted to us, glorifying God in all things.

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