It was the second time in three months that our local community experienced the tragic deaths of more than one individual from a family. Last fall a car accident claimed the lives of three individuals in one car. This time it was a father and son killed in a snowmobiling accident. That funeral took place this morning.
As I stood and looked at the two caskets, I couldn’t even imagine the level of grief being experienced by the family. Mom and dad lost their young son as well as their 8 year old grandson. In an instant their lives were forever changed.
The precious gift of life is not something to take for granted. Pause for a moment to pray for your loved ones. Then, be sure to tell them how much they mean to you. Don’t assume that those close to you know that you love them. Take the time to tell them and to show them just how much you care.
The anniversary of the 1973 U.S. Supreme Court decision of Roe versus Wade is this coming Thursday. The need for prayer and sacrifice remains great. It is my hope that we all get involved in some way to support a culture of life and bring healing to our land.
The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has a plan for prayer in the upcoming days starting tomorrow. Nine Days for Life will be an opportunity for us to pray for a deeper respect for life from conception through natural death. This novena of prayer runs from January 17 through January 25. You can find information and resources on the USCCB website.
I know that many in the St. Louis area make the trek to Washington, D.C. each year. Here in Wyoming we have a significant group from the Wyoming Catholic College making the trek to the West Coast Walk in California. Of course, we have a march to the state capitol right here in Cheyenne as well. Wherever you are, please get involved. Most of all, continue to pray the we as a nation come to understand the dignity and value of each human life. Being made in the image and likeness of God is not to be taken lightly. If we believe that we are “temples of the Holy Spirit,” it is time our actions start reflecting that sacred dignity.
What is your favorite part of Christmas? Midnight Mass is a tradition in our family. I will admit that as I get older it seems midnight arrives later and later, but the beauty of the night still beckons and I continue the tradition. Walking into the church from the cold night air and seeing the sacred space adorned for this magnificent celebration brings a renewed sense of energy and vibrancy. The King of Glory is present in our midst.
As we prepare to celebrate the Fourth Sunday of Advent I realize that my Christmas greetings are a bit premature. However, I know the likelihood of finding time to write another post between now and Christmas is highly unlikely. Thus, I would rather be early than late with my prayerful good wishes to each of you.
I have appreciated sharing this blog space with you over the past year. I am humbled by the fact that there there have been days when the site received over 500 page views in a day. I never imagined it growing beyond a few parishioners from each of the parishes where I have previously served. I started my writing because of a few requests from people who appreciated my homilies when I worked in their respective parishes. It has now become a forum to dialogue with old friends and new, and it gives a place for me to process my thoughts (maybe in too public of a way at times).
Your e-mails regarding my postings have been thought-provoking and engaging. Even when you disagree with what I say we can have an enjoyable discussion. You have touched my life in a positive way by sharing this forum with me. It is always a privilege when we are provided with an opportunity to delve into the depths of our faith. I hope I have given you good food for thought from time to time throughout the year.
Merry Christmas to each of you! I hope and pray that the blessings of God enrich your life in a powerful way during these holy days.
“Be like a postage stamp–stick to one thing until you get there.”
~Josh Billings
Years ago I enjoyed getting mail. A trip to the mailbox, especially around the holidays, was always a time of anticipation and expectation. Even when e-mail arrived on the scene I was excited to hear my computer say, “You’ve got mail.” Believe me, those days are long gone. Looking at the “in-box” each morning now can be a source of anxiety rather than a source of expectation.
The art of letter writing seems to be fading away and that is too bad. I have been profoundly touched by letters I have received through the years. I have also tried to bring that same kind of joy to others by letters I have written. In all honesty, I will admit that I do it too infrequently these days.
I remember a few years ago I attended the 25th wedding anniversary of a couple I had come to know through a cancer support group. At one point during the chemotherapy treatments (many years prior to this gathering) the individual was really going through a rough patch. I sent a note in the mail with a few words of encouragement. In my mind the letter contained nothing significantly profound, but 15 or more years later I was shown that letter at the anniversary party. It was profoundly meaningful to the person that received the letter during a very difficult time of life. We shared the memories of suffering, surviving, and ultimately, thriving. I read the letter I had written all those years ago; it still didn’t seem that magnificent to me. However, the person that received it read it from a completely different context.
I was reminded of all of this today when I saw a couple of interesting tidbits of historical information that occurred on December 11. In 1975 a first class postage stamp in the United States went from costing 10 cents to 13 cents. Ah! Wouldn’t we enjoy seeing those prices now? On December 11, 1961 the Marvelettes released the song, “Please Mr. Postman.” I am showing my age, but yes, I enjoyed hearing that song on the radio. Finally, I came across the quote from Josh Billings which I placed under the picture at the top of this article. That really made me think about my Advent journey.
As we prepare for Gaudete Sunday, are we seeking God with our whole heart, mind, soul, and strength? Are we pursuing sanctity with the kind of dedication Josh Billings is mentioning? “Be like a postage stamp–stick to one thing until you get there.” Are we pursuing sanctity with that kind of single-minded dedication? I hope so. Listen closely to this weekend’s second reading from Thessalonians and follow the simple guidance provided. 1. Rejoice always. 2. Pray without ceasing. 3. Give thanks. 4. Do not quench the Spirit. 5. Test everything. 6. Retain what is good. 7. Refrain from every kind of evil.
Be like a postage stamp and stick to one thing until you get there. My recommendation is to stick with God.
“May the God of peace make you perfectly holy and may you entirely, spirit, soul, and body, be preserved blameless for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Thessalonians 5:23)
The day began early this morning, but it was well worth it. Bishop Paul Etienne was the celebrant at the 6:45 A.M. Eucharistic Liturgy at the Cathedral of St. Mary in Cheyenne. Today marks the fifth anniversary of Bishop Etienne’s ordination and installation as Bishop of the Diocese of Cheyenne. The weather was much more cooperative this year than it was five years ago, and the peace and serenity in the cathedral this morning was a very different environment as compared to the huge event at the Civic Center in 2009.
There was something profound about this morning’s celebration. The bishop’s homily was extremely personal and heartfelt. His words provided all of us with the opportunity to reflect upon our own relationship with the Good Shepherd. The grace of God was almost palpable in our midst, and it was a privilege to be present for this simple, but stirring, anniversary celebration.
I was hired as the Director of Pastoral Ministries for the Diocese of Cheyenne prior to Bishop Etienne being named the new bishop. I was hired by the Diocesan Administrator (in the absence of a bishop), and I arrived in Cheyenne about six weeks before Bishop Etienne. Accepting this position prior to a bishop being appointed created a little anxiety in my life. Who would the new bishop be? What would he be like? What would happen if he wanted to revamp everything—out with old and in with the new? (Even though I had just arrived I could be viewed as the “old.”)
As time passed and events unfolded I was grateful that the Holy Spirit had brought me to this place at this particular time. Working with Bishop Etienne during these five years has been a true blessing indeed. As I get a close-up view of the burden of responsibility that a bishop carries, I am more diligent in keeping all of the bishops in my prayers. I realize that criticisms are easy to thrust toward Church leadership, and some of that criticism has been rightly earned over the years. However, I also know that there are a lot of dedicated individuals doing their best to serve God and the church with great faithfulness and fidelity. Bishop Paul Etienne is one of those individuals.
Congratulations Bishop Etienne on your five year anniversary as the Bishop of the Diocese of Cheyenne. Your ministry in the diocese is truly appreciated. This day I offer prayers of gratitude and supplication for you, your family, and all of the people under your care. May the grace of our Lord, Jesus Christ, the love of God the Father, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you!
See Bishop Etienne’s own reflection for today at his blog:
Advent is into the second week. How are you doing?
My calendar has been full lately. (Thus, the infrequency of blog postings.) I have been making a conscious effort to stay focused on the season in the midst of the hectic pace. However, determining whether or not I have been successful is a subjective evaluation. Some days would probably score better than some other days.
On Friday I led a simple gathering of a dozen folks in an hour of reflection. It was an amazing experience. I had contacted everyone in the group a few days prior to the gathering and asked each person to think of a “WOW” moment in their lives. We used those examples to move into a deeper look at how God works in our lives on a continual basis. There was no doubt that the power of the Holy Spirit was moving in our midst as we shared our thoughts, struggles, hurts, and joys. These intimate gatherings allow for a profound experience of the presence of God, and I am grateful for having been a part of this particular gathering.
On Friday evening I traveled to Casper, Wyoming to present a day-long retreat on Saturday and preach at all of the weekend Masses at St. Anthony’s Parish. These opportunities to visit a parish community are always exciting. I enjoy meeting the people and appreciate the privilege of sharing the journey of faith with them. Although I am the one doing the presenting, I always walk away enriched in the process. It is a fantastic experience to learn of the many ways people have been touched by the love of God.
I was reminded by the beginning of Mark’s Gospel this weekend to look at my faith journey with a sense of urgency. God is calling me to holiness today–not tomorrow, not next week, not next month–TODAY! Mark chose to start his Gospel with Jesus being in adulthood. He wasted no time with the infancy narrative or the early years. The difference in his approach as compared to the other Gospel writers really struck me this year. I don’t know if that is the message he was intending to communicate by starting his Gospel in that manner, but it is the message I took home with me this weekend. It was something I need to ponder.
John the Baptist struck me in a somewhat different manner this time too. As I proclaimed the Gospel at mass I was overwhelmed at the humility of John. People were coming to him from all over the Judean countryside as well as Jerusalem to be baptized. He was popular. Some thought he was the messiah. He did not bask in this attention; he simply pointed people toward Christ and the coming of the Kingdom.
Are we pointing people to Christ in the way we speak and the way we act?
The waters of baptism have brought each one of us new life. The Sacred Chrism has sealed us with the gifts of the Holy Spirit. How have we been changed through these experiences? Are we truly preparing the way of the Lord?
This Sunday (the 2nd Sunday of Advent) we hear the beginning of Mark’s Gospel. The first line of the Gospel isn’t even a sentence; it does not contain a verb. The line stands more as a title than anything else: “The beginning of the Gospel of Jesus Christ the Son of God.” There is no infancy narrative in Mark’s Gospel. He simply jumps into the story at the time of John the Baptist. This directness cuts to the chase and reminds us of the necessity of repentance.
John the Baptist is an excellent example for Christians. He was fueled with a burning passion to point others to Christ. He admits that he is not even worthy to stoop and loosen the thongs of his sandals. The humility expressed by John the Baptist is refreshing, and he certainly challenges me to look at my own life. Am I pointing others toward Christ with that same kind of humility?
How will you prepare the way of the Lord during this Advent season?
What the heck is happening to our country? That is the toned-down version of a question I heard this morning. Events in Ferguson, Missouri have put a spotlight on the social problems that continue to exist in our communities. Unfortunately, the answers to these problems will not likely be forthcoming. Symptoms may be addressed in a few areas but the root causes will probably remain firmly entrenched. Continued moral decline is what is happening to our country.
The vandalism, looting, and burning of property that took place last night was simply a crime of opportunity. A “mob mentality” is easily created in this type of environment and the results are quite predictable. The destruction of businesses in a community that is already struggling will only exacerbate the existing challenges of poverty, unemployment, and criminal activity. A thinking person realizes that these actions don’t accomplish anything in regard to promoting justice or honoring the memory of the deceased. However, thinking seems to be a commodity in short supply in a scenario such as this.
Rush Limbaugh mentioned in his opening monologue today that thinking has been replaced with feelings. He cited sports examples in which interviewers asked athletes, “How do you feel?” As I watched interviews last night with numerous people in the Ferguson area this sentiment was played out over and over. “I feel” was the predominant theme. This makes it difficult, if not impossible, to reason with people regarding the facts. After all, some people don’t want the facts messing up the narrative they have playing in their mind.
In fair disclosure, I want to mention a couple of things. Thirty years ago I was a police officer with the St. Louis County Police Department serving in the North County precinct not far from Ferguson. Secondly, I am an ISTJ on the Myers-Briggs personality type assessment. (For those of you unfamiliar with this tool, the “T” stands for “thinking” as opposed to an “F” which stands for “Feeling.”) My personality type is to evaluate and analyze information based upon the facts and circumstances as they are presented. Although I tend to trust my gut instinct in certain circumstances, my preferred mode of operation is to think through a situation and arrive at the best decision based upon the available data.
In the rule of law, I hope we will always utilize facts as the basis of decisions rather than feelings. Even if a personality type is an “F” rather than a “T” it would still seem logical (in my “T” world) to utilize evidence as the basis of the Grand Jury decision rather than feelings. If feelings are going to dominate the criminal justice system rather than a process of judicial review, we have simply moved into a state of anarchy and we can all kiss our sense of security of good-bye. Ferguson gave us a glimpse into that style of living last night.
This side-trip leads me back to the “root” causes of the social problems in communities like Ferguson. The current symptom appears to be racial tensions between white cops and black citizens. (A poll today showed that 98% of blacks think the decision by the Grand Jury was wrong and 96% of whites think it was right.) The historical context of slavery and oppression play into these perceptions, but what are the modern day factors contributing to the upheaval and chaos being experienced today? Delving into the sociological and psychological research would require an exhaustive amount of time—far beyond the scope of this article. Thus, I will lay out my opinions without the sources of research to back up what I consider some of the root causes.
I think (and feel) that the breakdown of the family unit is a huge contributing factor to the undermining of positive values being handed down from one generation to the next—especially in minority neighborhoods. Virtuous male role models are absent in the lives of many young black men growing up. How will they effectively learn right from wrong? What are their attitudes toward authority figures and how did they develop them? Who models appropriate behavior for them? Looking at these types of factors will get us closer to the root causes of the behaviors we witnessed last night.
Secondly, I think (and feel) that the failed educational system is not providing the tools to “think” effectively and logically. How can wise choices be made if one lacks the basic understanding of assessing and processing information? Has the current educational system simply indoctrinated young minds in minority neighborhoods to see themselves as victims and entitled to certain things? If our schools are telling students what to “feel” rather than teaching them how to “think,” we are justly reaping the chaos that has been sown.
Finally, the Church no longer serves as a dominant influence in the moral training of our young people. If good and upright values are not received from the family or from the Church, from whence shall they come? The disturbing images on TV last night were made more horrendous when folks like Rev. Al Sharpton use the Church to incite more violence rather than to promote calm and common sense.
Families are falling apart. Educational systems are sometimes producing an inferior product. Church attendance is in steep decline. These foundations of society are crumbling and we are beginning to experience the repercussions. Prominent institutions which once served as agents of solidarity and cohesiveness have disintegrated before our eyes. Technological connections have replaced family. Indoctrination and politics have replaced education. Media and entertainment have replaced spiritual and religious practice.
What the heck has happened to our country? The answer is plain and simple. We have turned away from God. Even though we are preparing to enter the Advent season, it may be a good time to be reminded of what we hear at the beginning of Lent. “Turn away from sin and be faithful to the Gospel.”
Although the ideas of servant leadership are ancient, Robert K. Greenleaf did a fantastic job of articulating these concepts for our time. I, for one, have benefitted from his writings. Mr. Greenleaf died in 1990 but his work continues to impact our world. It is my hope that more individuals and organizations will truly heed the call of servant leadership because it could monumentally transform our world.
The Sacred Scriptures highlight the lifestyle of a servant leader. Those who attend church on a weekly basis are reminded frequently of what it means to be a follower of that tradition. Jesus Christ was the ultimate servant-leader, and He invites us to take up our cross daily and follow Him. What hinders our response to that invitation?
Can you imagine a world in which we all were striving to live as servant-leaders? Start in the home. What would we experience in our families if each individual did his or her best to exhibit love by serving the others in the household? I am not simply talking about a delineation of household chores. I am referring to a genuine and heartfelt, caring environment in which each member of the home truly wanted the best for the other members—and helped them achieve it. Do we bring out the best in one another? The home is the foundation from which these principles will emanate. We need to get it right in the home to enhance our effectiveness in the community.
Bullying has been a problem in our schools of epidemic proportion. If children learned servant-leadership in the home on a wide-spread scale the school culture would change dramatically. Unfortunately, many families are not guided by Christian principles in our day. Furthermore, the schools have also removed God. School administrators have become paralyzed with fear in regard to keeping religion out of the school. They don’t want to be sued for violating the separation of church and state. Thus, the greatest piece of literature—the Bible—is not studied due to this fear. Subsequently, the premier tool to teach servant-leadership is not utilized and society pays the price. Young people who do not learn the basic principles of servant-leadership during their formative years will enter adulthood with other values guiding their way. What will those guiding factors be?
We typically spend a lot of hours at work as adults. Even if you aren’t the boss, you can still be a servant-leader. Leadership is influence, not simply a position or a title. If surveys regarding “employee satisfaction” are accurate, we could certainly use more servant-leaders in the workplace. Dysfunction in the workplace due to poor leadership is rampant. What would happen if each us truly “bloomed where we were planted?” I may not be able to change the world, but I can change myself. What impact would that have on the people around me?
The lust for power, fame, and fortune is evident in our world today. Among our “public servants” we see endeavors which highlight a path to “doing well” for the individual as opposed to “doing good” for those they have been called to serve. This is a symptom of a much deeper problem permeating modern society. Looking out for number one seems to frequently supersede the aspect of being a servant-leader. The sin of pride hinders our ability to recognize Jesus Christ in our neighbor.
As we inch closer to Thanksgiving Day, I am grateful for all of the people who have touched my life in a positive way throughout the years. I still have a lot to learn, and a lot to put into practice more fully, but I have truly been blessed with many good and wonderful examples in my life. I do not want to take those blessings for granted.
I will close this entry with a glimpse of the humility of Robert Greenleaf. He is buried in Terre Haute, Indiana, with an epitaph on his tombstone that shows a bit of his personality: “Potentially a good plumber; ruined by a sophisticated education.” http://www.greenleaf.org/
