From the prophet Isaiah, “Comfort, give comfort to my people” (Is 40:1). We all know someone who is suffering from a loss due to death, divorce, separation, disability, layoff. Bringing the gift of your presence can bring comfort to one who is grieving: visit with them, offer a listening ear and some gentle words of encouragement, support and kindness. Not only will that bring comfort to the one who is grieving, but it will also swell the giver’s soul with gifts of joy and compassion.
Suspend Judging Others
So often, we are expected to make judgments: about an issue; concerning a decision; considering options. But, too often, we fall into the trap of judging persons as good or evil. Recall how hod God made humankind and saw His creation to be “very good”. Indeed every human person is made in God’s image, therefore, each one deserves to be reverenced as “of God”. Each human person, therefore, is an instance of God’s perfection and love. Instead of judging another, seek to discern what makes him or her beautiful in God’s eyes. It may be tough work, but when accomplished, it gives each of us yet another opportunity to praise our generous God for giving us yet another instance of His presence among us.
A Wonderful Episcopal Visit!
I just sent the following note to all 175 of our parishioners who are involved in any of our liturgical ministries following Bishop Edward Scharfenberger’s visit to our 8:30 Sunday morning liturgy on February 22nd, the First Sunday of Lent:
Dear liturgical ministers,
First of all, let me thank you for the ministry you share so wonderfully with our parish, with the Church, and with God Himself. Every time we gather in Clinton Heights for Mass, you know already how we take our place and join with the one heavenly liturgy that is constantly adoring and worshiping God. And each time our community worships, I am so very pleased to preside and help lead us to a holy service.
This morning’s 8:30am Mass was definitely no different, yet with very short notice that Bishop Scharfenberger was coming to preside! You might have noticed that throughout our prayer, Bishop Scharfenberger was taking us all in, and was so very pleased to be with us and shepherd us throughout. Afterward, I took him over to our rectory and whipped up a tidy (yet fattening) little breakfast and we spoke at length about many things. But the first thing he commented on were the various ministries and ministers. He watched while our hospitality ministers ushered folks in from the cold with sincere welcome and care; how our numerous altar servers looked so comfortable yet reverent in their service; how our sacred scriptures were proclaimed clearly and with thought; how our music was uplifting and deep; how our Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion were humble and devout in their offerings; and how Deacon Tim served so well, especially since it’s not even been a year since his diaconal ordination.
For my part, I am rightly proud of each of you who offer yourselves for service, often at great personal cost to your comfort and/or convenience. From the moment of the Collect (Opening Prayer), the bishop commented under his breath when he took his miter, “wonderful, thank you!” I believed he meant that he was so relieved to find a parish in our great diocese that could welcome him with ease and distinction, and still with an appropriate level of solemnity and respect for the liturgical norms of the Universal Church. Later, he said it was because he noted no hesitation to “simply be” with him, as the servers approached and attended to his every need as presider and bishop. Wow! Honestly, he was so very happy to feel welcomed and at home with us…and for that, all of you, and our entire parish family, deserve to receive the recognition and honor of such a beautiful compliment.
So, in the end, as I’ve just finished the dishes and am getting ready to go practice my golf swing at the simulator on this wonderfully sunny day, I wanted to be sure to get this note out to all of you: thank you, thank you! All your hard work in ministry shone forth this morning–as usual–and for that–and for you–I am extremely grateful.
Praise God, with love, Fr. David
SURPRISE: Episcopal Visit!
Suspend Judging Others
Spiritual writer Henri Nouwen guides us: “In a world that constantly asks us to make up our minds about other people, a nonjudgmental presence seems nearly impossible…but it is one of the most beautiful spiritual fruits of deep spiritual life and will be easily recognized by those who long for reconciliation.”
Moreover, such a stance allows us to seek reconciliation with others, rather than keep them at bay and isolated, lost, drifting. When we take the energy and effort of judgment and transform it into authentic love, there we will witness true charity to toward ‘the other’ as ‘another’.
- « Previous Page
- 1
- …
- 11
- 12
- 13
- 14
- 15
- …
- 41
- Next Page »