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This past Wednesday, August 27, I celebrated thirty-one years of priesthood. As I reflect over the years, I have to say that it's been quite a journey; a journey with all kinds of people at this time in church history; a journey with folks in their joys and in their sorrows. The seminary teaches one the "stuff" one should know so as not to be a complete "ding-a-ling." But the "real" education of a priest takes place in a parish with the people of God.
In John's gospel, there is a story of a man born blind. Jesus tells him to go and wash in the Pool of Siloam. Siloam means, "sent." One is healed of blindness by being sent. Seven years ago, I was sent by the Archbishop to St. John's. The Lord heals me of my "blindness" by sending me to this people, the Body of Christ, at S.J.B. I've had some wonderful teachers in my different parish assignments over the years. Wonderful people have opened my eyes and my heart to the mystery of life and to the mystery of God working in my own life story.
I see Bertha at daily rosary and Mass. Even though her arthritis is painful, she makes every effort to get to Mass. At 92, living as a widow, she is still faithful to her God. Bertha and others like her, remind me that I haven't lived this life of priesthood in vain.
And I see Florentine and Jerry at daily Mass. They raised seven children and have buried five of them. Three daughters were killed in one accident, one drowned, and another one died in another accident. They still gather at the Table of the Lord, faith-filled people. We can read about and study the Book of Job, and read all his sufferings but it is quite another thing to see loving parents living the story in our times. I am humbled to be in their presence. Florentine and Jerry have taught me more about faith than any course or church document. They make Sacred Scripture come alive.
And the list goes on and on. If you only knew the stories of so many parishioners and the pain in their lives. They have stayed close to the Lord in their brokenness and pain. The "23rd " Psalm, The Lord is My Shepherd, I shall not want… even though I walk in the shadow of death… my cup overflows… is lived daily in so many lives in this parish. Our faith is not about "glitzy" liturgies, big buildings, famous speakers, or being liberal or conservative. It's about trusting God day after day, especially when we wonder where God is. There are hundreds of "wisdom figures" in our parish. You and I are blessed to be in the company of people who have
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remained faithful to God, as they have carried the cross of great pain. Every year the list gets longer. From my perspective, Christianity is not dying but is being lived right here at S.J.B. day after day. These people make me want to be a better human being, a better Christian, a better priest, a better pastor.
The God of Jesus keeps teaching me through people who have been dealt a "crappy" hand in life. Pain teaches us what is important in life, and how to be faithful to God. For thirty-one years, God has spoken to me through parents who have buried a child; through people who have buried a spouse; through those living in chronic pain; through seniors in nursing homes; through the sick; through children and spouses who have been abused physically and emotionally; through the truly poor; through shut-ins; from those who are considered different. I have been blessed with wonderful people in my life, people of faith. No matter what cards some people are dealt, they keep on loving and stay faithful to our God.
We often hear people talking about seeing the bigger picture. How does everything fit into the bigger picture of life and after-life? When we see the bigger picture, we gain insight and wisdom. The hardest part of being a pastor is wasting time on things that don't really matter. In the big picture, would Jesus shake his head at some of the things we think are so important? I wish I could have one more day with my Dad, one more day with my Mother. I'd take them out for a cold beer and a sandwich and just tell them how good they were to their sons, to me. I'd thank them over and over for all their sacrifices. But I can't. All I can do is try to live a good life in their memory.
What's really important, folks? It's not what appears on the news, or in the newspaper, or what some Vatican bureaucrats writes. What's really important is the love we have for God and one another. When a loved one dies, all they take is the love we have given them, and God's unconditional love.
What have I learned in 31 years of priesthood? Don't be stingy with your love. We never know how long we have to love our parents, children, friends, the people in our lives. Thanks for teaching this old fart what's really important.
In my own clumsy way, I love you, my parishioners. I am happy to be here… You are great. You are the stars when my days are dark!
Fr. Bill
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