Author: Vernon Dobelmann

An early season snowfall created a little difficulty for travel on Saturday, October 5, but eventually Interstate 25 opened and I began my trek from Cheyenne to Thermopolis to preach at the weekend Masses and present a three night parish mission at St. Francis Church. Traveling was treacherous for the first 40 miles with many cars in the ditches and a jack-knifed tractor-trailer in the median. I considered turning around and going back home at one point, but I couldn’t find a safe place to do so.  Thankfully, the blowing snow subsided as I got farther and farther away from Cheyenne. I will readily admit that it was very pleasant driving the last 100 miles on dry pavement.

The homilies and mission talks centered on the topic, “Stir Into Flame the Gift of God.” The Gospel reading for the weekend gave us a great lesson in regard to praying simply. “Lord, increase our faith.” It is a simple and forthright prayer, and one I need to be uttering with some frequency. As Jesus painted a picture of what we could do if we had faith the size of a mustard seed, I became very excited about the great works we would see during the parish mission. I trusted that God was going to move in our midst in a powerful way, and God did not disappoint.

I focused my presentations on the theological virtues of faith, hope, and love. I put these topics into the context of stirring up the Holy Spirit in our lives so that we could experience the extravagant grace, forgiveness, and healing of Jesus Christ. The parish mission ended on Tuesday evening with an opportunity for the pastor and I to pray individually with parishioners. This is always a profound experience because God touches lives in dramatic ways during these prayer experiences. Once again, the healing touch of Christ was evident and the power of the Holy Spirit moved among us.

Preaching parish missions is a privilege I enjoy immensely. Spending four or five days in a parish gives me a chance to come to know parishioners and pastors in a meaningful way. My life is always enriched by the presence of faith-filled people at these gatherings. Although I am usually physically exhausted when I return home, there is also a renewed sense of inner energy and enthusiasm. The people of Thermopolis certainly gave me that gift this week.

The month of September was jam-packed with activities for my office, and I am grateful for the opportunity to have been right in the middle of all of it.  I traveled over 4,000 miles all across the state of Wyoming during the month.  Although I felt extremely tired from time to time, there was also a sense of exhilaration.  In the process of articulating hope to others, I repeatedly found joy.

On Sunday, September 1, I had the privilege of preaching at all of the Masses at the Cathedral of St. Mary in Cheyenne.  Due to my travel schedule this, was the first time I had the opportunity to preach at the Cathedral in several months.  It was great to see all of the parishioners again and catch up with a quite a number of folks that I had not seen in a while.

On September 3, I traveled to Wheatland for a catechist workshop.  The catechists were ready for another year to begin and it was a pleasure to share in their enthusiasm.

On September 6, I joined the Cathedral Guild ladies for their monthly gathering.  These ladies are some of the most generous and dedicated individuals I have ever met in my life.  In that group of ladies I see the ultimate of ministry in the tradition of Mary and Martha.  These ladies are people of deep faith and prayer, and they are certainly “doers” as well.  The Cathedral community is blessed to have them in so many ways.

On September 8, I traveled to Sundance for an all-day catechist workshop.  The northeast corner of the state is beautiful, and the volunteers from Newcastle, Sundance, Hulett, and Upton made it even brighter.  The fog was extremely thick upon my arrival, but the light of Christ was able to break through nonetheless.  People traveled a good distance to participate in this workshop, and the joy that was present in the group was exciting to see.

On September 9, I attended a meeting of the Laramie County Right to Life.  This group organizes the annual March for Life here at the state capitol in Cheyenne as well as the annual “Celebrate Life” banquet.  I work diligently to get Catholics to participate in these activities, and it has been a blessing to see these events grow year by year.  Two years ago I had the privilege of being the keynote speaker at the “Celebrate Life” banquet.  Last year the event was moved to a larger venue and the keynote speaker was Pam Tebow.  Yes, that is Tim Tebow’s mom.  Her presentation was excellent.  This year the speaker will be Abby Johnson, author of Unplanned. It will be exciting to hear her testimony.

On September 11, I traveled to Rock Springs and then onto Pinedale.  I visited Holy Spirit Catholic School as well as the parish.  It is always good to stop in and visit with our dedicated Catholic school teachers and principals.  They accomplish some amazing things on very limited budgets.  Serving as the Superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Diocese of Cheyenne has been a learning (and rewarding) experience.  I made it to Pinedale in time for a catechist workshop that evening.  We were a small group gathered together, but it was powerful just the same.  The excitement and enthusiasm of the catechists, from the rookies to the veterans, was contagious.  Pinedale is blessed to have these selfless volunteers.

I got up early on the morning of September 12, to travel back to Cheyenne from Pinedale.  Inclement weather, a flat tire, and a few obstacles with road construction blockages added to the excitement of returning home, but I made it back in time to gather with the ladies of the Bishop’s Guild at the Holiday Inn.  I was the speaker for the evening and eagerly shared some thoughts about stirring into flame the gift of faith.  These ladies, many of whom also belong to the Cathedral Guild, are pillars of faith.  I often learn a great deal from observing them, so I consider it a huge privilege to be the one who speaks about the gift of faith.

From September 13—15, I went to Aurora, Colorado for the National Catholic Charismatic Leadership Conference.  Please see my previous post for details about that experience.  All I will say here is, WOW!

From September 17—19, we had our annual September Institute in Casper.  This event is a gathering of all the clergy and many of the parish lay leadership.  The focus this year was on the New Evangelization.  It is my responsibility to oversee the logistics of this event, and one of the challenges is finding well-formed speakers who are also energetic and inspirational.  The speakers this year did not disappoint and I was grateful for their presence.  Dr. Michel Therrien and Mr. Jim Beckman from the Augustine Institute served us well. 

I returned home for a day before departing again.  I spent the weekend of September 21 and 22 in Buffalo.  I was invited to preach at the weekend Masses and then conducted a parish-wide workshop on Sunday afternoon on the topic of bringing faith alive in our homes and in our parish.  It was a well-attended event and the Knights of Columbus took good care of us with a bountiful brunch to get us started.

I spent several days in the office trying to catch up on the administrative tasks that continue to pile up while I am traveling.  Then, on September 26, St. Mary’s School in Cheyenne held its first ever Foundation Breakfast.  I will admit that I was not thrilled about being at the school by 6:45 A.M., but it was a great event and gave a good boost to the efforts of those responsible for raising funds for the Foundation.  The generosity of so many people behind the scenes is truly heartwarming.

On September 27, I was back on the road again headed for Jackson.  I couldn’t believe it, but the weather forecast was a concern.  It’s only September.  Come on!  I drove in fog; then it was rain; then it was snow; then it was sleet—and a lot of it.  Finally, the last 50 miles were free of the inclement elements.  This made for a beautiful ride into the picturesque city of Jackson.  The hand of the Creator is clearly evident in the beauty of the Tetons.

We had an all-day workshop for the catechists on Saturday, September 28.  The pastor had told me that I would find an eager and receptive audience.  He wasn’t kidding.  The catechists in Jackson are on fire with the love of the Lord.  Being with all of them fired me up.  What a tremendous gift these people are to their parish.  Simply wonderful!  I returned to Cheyenne after the workshop.  The 8 hour drive went by relatively quickly as I reflected upon the wonderful experience of the day.

On Sunday, September 29, I traveled to Fort Collins, Colorado to pray in front of Planned Parenthood for the first time during this current 40 Days for Life.  I have been determined to make this a priority during the current vigil.  It is so important that we continue to be vigilant in our efforts to remind people of the beauty and sanctity of each human life from conception through natural death.

In my travels, I try to articulate hope in every opportunity that I have to speak to groups of people, or one-on-one for that matter.  What I experienced during this month was nothing short of amazing.  I may have been articulating hope, but people were flooding me with joy in return.  I saw the goodness of God in a multitude of ways and the joy of the Lord filled me in the process.  Am I tired?  Yes, a little.  That is insignificant compared to the excitement I feel.

Thermopolis, here I come.  It is time for a Parish Mission!

The National Service Committee hosted the annual Catholic Charismatic Leadership Conference this past weekend in Aurora, Colorado.  Approximately 350 leaders from across the country were in attendance for the gathering.  Despite personal difficulties in travel to get to Colorado from Wyoming, it was well worth taking some detours to navigate around the flooding to be present for this uplifting and prayerful event.

One dynamic speaker after another reminded us of what it means to be a follower of Christ. Dr. Tom Curran provided a powerful and profound keynote address to get things started on Friday evening, and praise and worship filled the event for the rest of the weekend.   We were reminded to live with the joy of the Lord, and Maria Vadia demonstrated clearly how it can be done.  Wow!  I don’t believe I have ever witnessed such energy from one individual at any religious event I have ever attended.   Bishop Sam Jacobs wrapped everything up by challenging us in his closing homily to praise God at all times–not just when we are at conferences.

Extravagant grace is something we have each received from God, and it was certainly beneficial to be reminded of this awesome gift from God.  The power of the Holy Spirit is present in our lives at all times.  How do we allow the outpouring of the Holy Spirit to take place in our day-to-day lives?  It has to be more than just a one time event when we receive the Sacrament of Confirmation, or more than an annual event when we celebrate the Feast of Pentecost.  It needs to be a way of life.

The Charismatic renewal impacted my life in a dramatic way many years ago when I was diagnosed with cancer for the second time in my life.  The prayer group that I had been attending on a minimal level reached out and prayed for me in a way that I had never experienced.  I was invited to let the glory of God shine through this difficult moment of my life by giving praise to God in all things.  That was one of the most difficult invitations I have ever received.  I did not want to praise God.  I wanted to be angry with God.

Although I still have a long way to go in my faith journey, the Charismatic renewal has definitely helped me grow in my relationship with the Lord.  This includes giving praise to God in all things, inviting the Holy Spirit to truly guide me and empower me to walk faithfully with Jesus on a day to day basis, and ultimately, to simply walk humbly with my God.  

Observing others singing and praising God with arms outstretched, speaking in different tongues, dancing before the Lord, and freely demonstrating outward expressions of exuberant joy in the process is not what we typically experience in our Sunday gatherings. Although I have been to several of these major charismatic gatherings, I will admit that it still moves this particular introvert out of his comfort zone.  However, that is a good thing.  Each time I participate I come away with a renewed sense of purpose and commitment, and it enhances my Sunday experience when I return back to the parish.

If you have never attended a charismatic prayer group, participated in a “Life In The Spirit Seminar, or participated in a Cursillo experience, I invite you to seek one of these events out and give it a try.  Let the Holy Spirit fill you with a “Fresh Fire and Extravagant Grace!”

The speech given this week by President Obama on the 50th anniversary of Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream” speech has been analyzed extensively by both the right and the left.  Depending upon the political viewpoints that one adheres to will obviously affect the way in which one interprets the message given by the president.  Some have viewed it as “brilliant” while others have seen it as “divisive”.  Other analysts have seen it as a “missed opportunity” in which the president could have celebrated the victories and accomplishments of the past 50 years.  Instead, in their opinion, he chose to focus on the shortcomings of our nation.  By doing so, the president simply moved into another campaign speech to promote his own political agenda.

I am not a political analyst, and I have no desire to dissect the speech line by line looking to prove a point on one side or the other.  However, there are certain things that just made me sit in disbelief as I watched and listened to the president deliver his speech.  It started near the beginning when the president quoted these words, “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.”

Every time I hear these words, I wonder how our nation ever got to the point where we simply chose to ignore them.  The words are straight to the point.  We believe that we have a Creator who endowed us with unalienable rights.  A complete list isn’t given, but “among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”  It begs the question, “How can we destroy the lives of millions of babies and not see the contradiction?”  How did we as a nation become so complacent, so apathetic, to allow the slaughter of innocent children to be the law of the land?

President Obama went on to say, “Willingly, they went to jail to protest unjust laws, their cells swelling with the sound of freedom songs. A lifetime of indignities had taught them that no man can take away the dignity and grace that God grants us. They had learned through hard experience what Frederick Douglas once taught: that freedom is not given; it must be won through struggle and discipline, persistence and faith.”  If God gives us dignity and grace, why has the president been so adamant in promoting abortion rights?  Is it only some people that have dignity and grace?  My dear people, the president may be right.  “Freedom is not given; it must be won through struggle and discipline, persistence and faith.”  Are we willing to maintain the struggle, exhibiting discipline, persistence, and faith, to fight for the unalienable right to life of the baby in the womb?  Do we have the guts to protest unjust laws?

President Obama continued, “We might not face the same dangers as 1963, but the fierce urgency of now remains. We may never duplicate the swelling crowds and dazzling processions of that day so long ago, no one can match King’s brilliance, but the same flames that lit the heart of all who are willing to take a first step for justice, I know that flame remains.” The fierce urgency of now remains.  Yes, it does.  We are not only struggling for the right to life, but our liberty is under attack as well.  People of faith are being told to keep their faith within the confines of their church building and in the walls of their own home.  It has no place in the wider community.  This trampling of religious freedom, especially in regard to the HHS Mandate which strives to force us to violate our consciences in regard to the sanctity of life, should ignite that flame in our hearts to truly stand up and fight for justice.  “Freedom is not given; it must be won through struggle and discipline, persistence and faith.”  If that is the reality of things, then let’s engage in the struggle until victory is won.

Finally, the president concluded, “And that’s the lesson of our past, that’s the promise of tomorrow, that in the face of impossible odds, people who love their country can change it. And when millions of Americans of every race and every region, every faith and every station can join together in a spirit of brotherhood, then those mountains will be made low, and those rough places will be made plain, and those crooked places, they straighten out towards grace, and we will vindicate the faith of those who sacrificed so much and live up to the true meaning of our creed as one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”  What does the president envision when he refers to, “the true meaning of our creed as one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all?”  What is truth in his mind?  His actions have demonstrated that he is the most pro-abortion president in history.  How does that promote life?  His HHS Mandate violates the conscience rights of many faith denominations.  How does that promote liberty?  Removing God from every aspect of public life, except when it is convenient for political purposes, certainly does not promote a development toward us being one nation under God.  Without God, there will be no justice for all.  Read the documents of the Founding Fathers to verify that they understood that this new republic which had been established could only succeed if people were guided by their Christian faith and morals.  

I am grateful for the positive strides our country has made in race relations, and I clearly understand that we still have work to do.  However, since 1973 another civil rights issue has been in play, and after 40 years there is still much to do.  Will people of faith accept the president’s challenge as laid out in his speech?  Will we come together by the millions to change the course of our country’s current path?  Will we fight for the right to life and liberty, so there may be a genuine pursuit of happiness?

Last week, the 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time, the Gospel reading reminded us of a question that someone posed to Jesus, “Lord, will only a few people be saved?”  Jesus answered, “Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I tell you, will attempt to enter but will not be strong enough.”  The readings this weekend for the 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time provide a significant clue as to how to accomplish that task.  The very first line of the first reading taken from the Book of Sirach sums it up well: “My child, conduct your affairs with humility.”

Humility isn’t a trait that is celebrated in modern society on a regular basis.  All we have to do is point to the recent MTV awards and the performance of a former Disney star to see what contemporary culture celebrates.  Sure, newscasters and others have claimed outrage at the vulgar display of gyrations, but time will most likely reveal an increase of sales for the performer’s goods.  The old adage still applies, “Sex sells.”  That word could be replaced with, “Pride sells.”

If the entertainment industry does not convince you that the sin of pride is alive and well, simply turn your attention to the political arena for confirmation.  Whether it is the (now former) mayor of San Diego, the mayoral candidate for New York City, or a whole list of others that could be mentioned, the word “humility” isn’t one which generally pops into mind.  The pursuit of power, prestige, and fame can be seen among entertainers, politicians, business leaders, and even among church leaders.  No segment of society is exempt from the effects of pride.  Think back to where it all began.  It was even present among the angels.

The Scriptures for this weekend give us an opportunity to reflect upon the Seven Capital Sins and the ill-effects that these sins have in our lives.  If we have any hope to enter through the narrow gate, it is essential for us to root out these capital sins and replace them with virtues.  Do we have the desire to unite our will to the will of God?  Are we willing to allow the grace of our Lord, Jesus Christ, the love of God the Father, and the communion of the Holy Spirit to permeate every fiber of our being?  Are we going to walk humbly with our God? (Micah 6:8)

Pride—“is having an inordinate opinion of one’s own dignity, importance, or superiority”.  The New Catholic Encyclopedia says that pride is “the inordinate desire to excel.”  It goes on to say that “pride springs from a self-love that is exclusive of others.”  When we choose to follow our own will rather than the will of God, pride has been allowed to dictate our path. 

Avarice—“is an insatiable greed for riches”.  Looking back to the vice of pride, we can see that self-love is quite evident when we are in pursuit of riches with insatiable greed.

Lust—“is an uncontrolled or illicit sexual desire or appetite”.  Once again, we look back to pride springing from a self-love that is exclusive of others, and we see a pursuit of sexual satisfaction with little or no regard for others.

Anger—“is a strong feeling of displeasure and belligerence aroused by a wrong.”  How does pride factor into the vice of anger?  Does having a high opinion of ourselves affect the way we react to someone when they have wronged us?  Pride will most likely escalate the level in which we react to a perceived wrong.  If we believe we are far superior to the individual who has wronged us, we aren’t too likely to have patience and forgiveness in the forefront of our mind.

Gluttony—“is excessive eating or drinking”.  The vice of gluttony can take place for many different reasons.  If this behavior is exhibited due to emotional distress, chemical imbalance, or some other medical issue, we are obviously talking about something outside the realm of gluttony.  However, if we are engaging in gluttonous behavior that springs from pride and a lack of discipline, are we willing to admit it?

Envy—“is a feeling of discontent with regard to another’s advantages, success, possessions, etc.”  Do we share in the joy when other people experience success and good fortune, or are we green with envy?

Sloth—“is the habitual disinclination to exertion; indolence; laziness; idleness.”  Does pride give us a sense that certain types of work are beneath our dignity?  Does pride dull our senses to such a degree that we forfeit a life of prayer for a life of idleness?  Are we guilty of laziness when it comes to our spiritual lives, especially in regard to our faithfulness in daily prayer?

The Seven Capital Sins certainly provide a lot of food for thought and reflection.  As we strive to enter through the narrow gate, let us sincerely conduct our affairs with humility.

On August 6, 1964, Pope Paul VI issued the encyclical Ecclesiam Suam.  It is fascinating to read the document with 49 years of hindsight now to put it into perspective.  You can read the whole encyclical here:
http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/paul_vi/encyclicals/documents/hf_p-vi_enc_06081964_ecclesiam_en.html 

It is worth the time to read it in its entirety, but I would especially recommend paragraphs 99 and 100 where it speaks to atheism as a growing evil.  We are still facing many of the same challenges today.

On this Feast of the Transfiguration of Our Lord Jesus Christ may we each be blessed abundantly through the overflowing grace of Almighty God!

The formal signing of the Declaration of Independence on engrossed parchment was completed by fifty (50) delegates on August 2, 1776, while five other delegates signed in the weeks and months that followed.  Thomas McKean of Delaware did not sign it until 1781.  You can read more details about this historic event here:  http://www.u-s-history.com/pages/h670.html

 Although we recognize July 4, 1776 as Independence Day in America, this formal signing of the declaration nearly a month later also has significance in our review of history.  Can you imagine the emotions that must have been running through the hearts and minds of a multitude of people on this monumental occasion?  Was there an overall sense of jubilation, trepidation, or fear?  The impact of Benjamin Franklin’s words must have been a bit daunting when he stated, “We must indeed all hang together, or most assuredly we will all hang separately.”  What sacrifices would be necessary for this venture into independence?

 There have obviously been challenging components to the American experience all through the years, and it seems that each successive generation brings with it a new set of obstacles and philosophical viewpoints which continue to summon us to greater heights.  The nation’s response to these issues will determine our ability to flourish, and the contemporary worldview present in our culture certainly shows a divisiveness that has the potential to hinder our stature here at home as well as abroad.  Attaining unity in the midst of diversity is appearing to be a considerable challenge for even the most skilled of leaders.

 As we recite the pledge of allegiance and recognize our republic as being “one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all,” are we simply hoping that it will be or do we truly strive to ensure that it is?  What is our role in the civic affairs of our community, state, and country?  This question has become more and more pertinent for people of faith as God is systematically removed from all areas of the public arena.  What is our responsibility in these matters?  Do we sit idly by on the sidelines and watch religious liberty be incrementally stripped away with little resistance?  How would the Founding Fathers of our country have responded to the current dilemmas faced by people who adhere to religious beliefs?

 There is no doubt that we live in a very complex global society, but the underlying factor in our ability to flourish as a nation continues to be our willingness to embrace a moral code that makes freedom possible.  John Adams, a signer of the Declaration of Independence and second President of the United States, said, “[I]t is religion and morality alone which can establish the principles upon which freedom can securely stand. The only foundation of a free constitution is pure virtue.” 

 In another place John Adams stated,

“[W]e have no government armed with power capable of contending with human passions unbridled by morality and religion. . . . Our constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.
(Source: John Adams, The Works of John Adams, Second President of the United States, Charles Francis Adams, editor (Boston: Little, Brown, and Co. 1854), Vol. IX, p. 229, October 11, 1798.)

As we mark this anniversary of the formal signing of the Declaration of Independence, let us spend some time in prayer giving thanks to God for the many blessings bestowed upon our country during these last 237 years.  Let us also spend some time in study.  How did we get to this point in history?  How has the gift of faith shaped our country in the past?  How will the gift of faith continue to shape our future?  Lastly, let’s put our faith into action.  Each of us will have to decide in what manner we will do that, but my hope is that we will not simply be a spectator as life happens around us.  Each one of us has been blessed by God with certain talents, skills and charisms.  The glory of God shines when we are fully alive so let’s put our faith into action!

On July 31, 1949 at a baseball game in Florida, a lightning bolt hit the infield, cutting a ditch 20 feet long, and killing the shortstop, first baseman, second baseman, and injuring thirty spectators.  Another account I read of this incident said the lightning strike hit the grandstands and spread across the field.  Regardless of the exact details of where the strike hit, I can only imagine the fear that must have been present among those in attendance.  The flash of lightning and the accompanying boom must have reverberated in their minds for a long time after the fact.

In modern society we seem to have statistics for just about everything.  As I looked for details about this event, I was amazed when I came across a website that specializes in detailing “death at the ballpark”.  According to this website, over 800 game-related fatalities have occurred at ballparks between 1862 and 2007.  Wow!

You can read it for yourself here: http://deathattheballpark.com/overview.html

In my younger years I spent a great deal of time at the local community ballpark.  I played the game competitively from the age of seven all the way through college.  I have coached on a number of occasions, and I have umpired more games than I can recall.  Through these experiences I saw a lot of injuries: batters getting hit by pitches, line drives hitting fielders, foul balls striking spectators, collisions between players, players getting spiked by another player sliding hard into the base, outfielders running into the fence trying to catch a ball that would potentially be a home run, brawls on the field after someone gets hit by a pitch, and finally, even brawls among spectators after the alcohol had flowed for too long of a time.  I saw a lot of injuries, but never a fatality.

Reading the account of this lightning strike has been a gentle reminder to me of the fragile nature of life.  Every breath we take and every beat of our heart is truly a gift from almighty God.  Thus, I pose the question, “Is this a gift we too often take for granted?”  Based upon the typical routines of our day-to-day lives, do we experience a sense of gratitude for the gift of God’s love?

Listening to the words of Pope Francis during the World Youth Day celebrations, and watching his actions, has been thought-provoking on a number of levels. The secular media has obviously been enamored with some of the pope’s comments during the plane ride back from Rio, and a few reporters have tried to make his statements say what they want it to say. However, capturing the overall message that Pope Francis tried to communicate during this historic gathering in Rio seems to be elusive both for some on the right and the left.  Church leaders like Cardinal Dolan have attempted to clarify a number of issues that were raised during the impromptu plane interview, but it leaves me wondering how well the majority of us are grasping the pope’s message.  Are each of us ready to intentionally move from our “bullet-proof bubble” out into the communities in which we live?  To put it bluntly, are we willing to get out of the pews and seriously put our faith into action?

Statistics may reveal that it is safer to be in a church than it is to be at a ballpark.  The reality of the matter is that we don’t enter into the church building to simply be safe.  We enter the church building to encounter the living Christ in our worship, in the faith community that surrounds us, in the proclamation of the Sacred Scriptures, and in the Eucharist in which we share.  Through this encounter with the living God, empowered by the Holy Spirit, we courageously go out into the world proclaiming the Good News of salvation.  Let’s live it! 

“The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me; He has sent me to bring glad tidings to the lowly, to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and release to the prisoners…..”

Isaiah 61:1

Pope Paul VI issued the encyclical, Humanae Vitae on July 25, 1968.  You can read the entire document here:
http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/paul_vi/encyclicals/documents/hf_p-vi_enc_25071968_humanae-vitae_en.html

What do we observe about the moral culture of our society in relation to what was said in this document back in 1968?  I would encourage you to at least read section 17 if you don’t want to read the whole document.  This portion of the encyclical refers to the consequences of using artificial birth control methods.  Was Pope Paul VI correct in his observations?  Let’s focus on just one sentence for a moment.

“Another effect that gives cause for alarm is that a man who grows accustomed to the use of contraceptive methods may forget the reverence due to a woman, and, disregarding her physical and emotional equilibrium, reduce her to being a mere instrument for the satisfaction of his own desires, no longer considering her as his partner whom he should surround with care and affection.”

The man “may forget the reverence due to a woman”.  How long has it been since you heard that type of language to describe a true relationship of love between a man and a woman?  The entertainment industry has worked diligently over the years to help dismantle the moral code to a point where we as a culture have lost the honor, dignity, and respect for married love and simply reduced it to the pursuit of our lustful passions.  Reverence is obviously lost in the process and so is sincere care and affection.

Humanae Vitae was greatly criticized and rejected as being out of touch with reality.  Now that we have 45 years of hindsight since the release of this encyclical, is the message any clearer than it was in 1968?

The streets are quiet and peaceful as the morning sun begins to sprinkle the area with the first rays of sunshine in the new day. The early hours offer a cool and calm feeling that is both reflective and energizing, but there is one unfamiliar twist to the setting of this particular day.  Although it is 6:00 A.M. and there are very few people in sight, the street is lined with empty lawn chairs.  That can only mean one thing—there is going to be a parade!

Parades have a long and colorful world history. 

http://www.historyofthings.com/history-of-parades

The Macy’s Day Parade started in 1924 and is the largest parade in America, but there are many other spectacles offered across the country that can truly grab our attention.  I have seen small towns put on some pretty grand events in regard to their local parades.  In years past I have wondered if there would be anyone to watch the parade because it looked like the whole town was IN the parade.  It certainly is an ideal time for the community to come together.

This week, we have the opportunity to witness four parades in eight days in Cheyenne, Wyoming during the annual Cheyenne Frontier Days.  It creates an atmosphere that is difficult to describe if you have never experienced it.  Cheyenne has the parades, three free pancake breakfasts in which thousands are literally fed in minutes, the “daddy of em all” rodeo, concerts with famous stars, and so much more.  With all of this activity crammed into ten days, what significance is there to the four parades?

There are a number of practical as well as philosophical items that stand out for me.  Thus, I raise the following observations, thoughts, and questions:

1.      What time of night did those people put out their lawn chairs for the parade?

2.      Some of the chairs looked very nice.  How is it that the chairs aren’t stolen or vandalized during all of those hours they sit quietly unoccupied and unsupervised?

3.      Since horses are a predominant part of the parade, the route sometimes becomes “littered” with horse chips in the process.  When the line-up for the parade is created, who gets assigned to a position following the horses?  I hope they are wearing their boots.

4.      If we are willing to go to great lengths to get a front row seat along the parade route by getting our chairs out very early in the morning, what other areas of our lives are we willing to make such sacrifices?  Am I eager to put forth that same kind of effort to get a front row seat in church so I can be near the altar to witness the glory of the Lord up close and personal?

5.      Do I have my own pew in church?  How do I react if someone “steals” my pew and forces me to sit somewhere else?

6.      As I watch the parade go by, am I secretly hoping to see someone step in the horse droppings?

7.      In the parade route of my life, do I feel like I am in front of the horses, or am I behind them struggling constantly to not step in the droppings?

8.      In the parade route of my life, is the band playing in key and on time with all of the other members, or am I out of step and flat?

9.      In the daily course of my life, am I in my car trying to get somewhere quickly, only to come upon the parade route and realize that all of the main roadways are blocked off and impassable due to the parade?  What does that do to my blood pressure?

Working in a building that is right along the parade route offers a rather unique vantage point.  It makes it difficult to be a productive employee on these days as the bands go by boisterously playing their tunes, trucks blaring their air horns, and emergency vehicles sounding their sirens.  On the other hand, it makes one appreciate some of the simpler things of life.  Unlike the spectators sitting along the street, I have easy access to the restroom.  Let the parade begin!