Connections&
September 24, 2000

• "If anyone wishes to be first, he shall be last and the servant of all& "
  
• "Whoever receives one child such as this in my name, receives me."
  

A faith primer
A great and powerful Chinese statesman journeyed to the humble hermitage of the wise master.  He asked, "Master, what is the deep meaning of Buddhism?"
     The mystic replied simply, "Do nothing evil, only do good."
     The statesman exclaimed, "That's it?  That's all you have to say?  Why, even a three-year-old child could say this."
     The master answered, "A three-year-old child may be able to say it, but can an 80-year-old adult practice it?"
[Timothy Freke, The Wisdom of the Zen Masters.]

CONNECTION:  In its simplicity, in its uncomplicated view of all men and women as children of the same God, our faith is child-like--but in its practice, our faith is anything but "childish"  or naïve.  Christ calls us to embrace the uncomplicated but genuine faith of a child that we adults sadly "outgrow":  to love God and others without condition or expectation.  "Child-like" faith is never discouraged, never becomes cynical or jaded, never ceases to be amazed and grateful for the many ways God reveals his presence in our lives.  The power of such simple faith is its ability to overcome every rationalization, fear, complication and agenda in order to mirror the selfishness of Christ Jesus.  Only in embracing child-like kindness, compassion, generosity and forgiveness can we attain true greatness in the kingdom of God.v

Today, September 24 marks the "Day of Jubilee for Older Person in the United States"
Pope John Paul II says:
"Arriving at an older age is to be considered a privilege; not simply because not everyone has the good fortune to reach this stage in life, but also, and above all, because this period provides real possibilities for better evaluating the past, for knowing and living more deeply the Paschal Mystery, for becoming an example in the Church for the whole people of God."

We honor and thank all of you who grace our community with your loving, living presence and wisdom of the years.

"WE ARE A CIRCLE OF LOVE, ONE GENERATION TO ANOTHER, WE ALL LIVE NOW IN TIME, LET'S WEAVE OUR LIVES TOGETHER.  WEAVING WISDOM THROUGH OUR AGE, WE'VE SEEN SORROW AND JOY DON'T BE AFRAID, ONLY LOVE REMAINS; TRUST THE RHYTHM OF GOD'S WEAVE."

Honestly, do you believe in miracles?  I would be really happy if we had a miracle here at
St. John's.  I am expecting one, and very soon.  But, first you and I have to take one step forward.  Willing?  Keep coming back and I will tell you how it's going to happen.

Fr. Bill