|
Pastor's Message
August 30, 1998
GIFTS
I recall when I was a teenager, I gave my mother a decorative candle as a birthday gift. I felt sure that she would love it and burn it at special times to create a pleasant atmosphere.
Instead, the candle sat on a shelf collecting dust. I once asked her why she didn't light it. She said she wanted to "save it." Prudently, I chose not to say any more.
Many people like saving gifts and mementos. However, some gifts are meant to be used to be fully appreciated. Like candles, gifts from the Holy Spirit are bestowed on us to make our lives a bit brighter and to give us a better way to live.
For six weeks now at the end of Mass we have been giving out bookmarks to depict various gifts of the Holy Spirit. Many folks have appreciated the attractive bookmarks. The purpose, of course, is to go beyond the little markers and focus on the powerful giving of the Spirit.
Our lives are enriched by the Holy Spirit's workings in our hearts. Becoming aware of these gifts and letting them transform our lives sheds new light in our world -- like lighting a beautiful candle.
- Fr. Herb
|
 |
|
August 23, 1998
A MESSAGE OF THANKS
A couple of weeks ago a former student of mine, who now lives in Philadelphia and is a college professor, was at Sunday Mass at St. Peter's. He recounted to me his experience "in the pew" while at the liturgy.
First of all, he was impressed with the singing and participation. He always sings and was glad that others did, too. Alone in the pew before Mass, he was greeted by a couple who joined him. They guessed that he was a visitor, so they introduced themselves and welcomed him. After the Mass the person sitting in front of him turned around and thanked him for being present and being part of the celebration.
Needless to say, I was very happy to hear about his positive experience. I do not know who the friendly neighbors were, but whoever you are, thanks for welcoming a stranger from out of town.
We regularly have visitors. Some are even from our own parish, who still do not feel like they fit in or belong. A kind smile, a word of welcome, and a thank you can add so much.
The Eucharist is a COMMUNAL prayer. That is why it is so important for us to be a community as we celebrate. Connecting with others near us is an important step in creating that community. It is a step that has to be taken by ALL, not just the pastoral staff and clergy.
Thanks again.
- Fr. Herb
|
|
|
August 16, 1998
THRESHOLDS
Someone told me about the house his family had just moved into. He described it as a rambling type of place with rooms that have been added through the years. He concluded by saying there were more thresholds in that house than any place he had ever lived.
Until that discussion I had never measured a house by the number of thresholds it has. But I started counting and they add up very fast, especially if you include walk-in closets.
Thresholds are entrance points. To cross a threshold means to enter another room, another space. No wonder the tradition for newly-married couples is to carry the bride across the threshold. That act symbolizes a new beginning.
Like houses, our lives have many thresholds. We constantly and regularly enter new phases with differing circumstances and varying expectations. Crossing into the new may be difficult or easy. Some thresholds almost trip us. Not to cross over, however, is to remain confined where we have been. That can be very limiting.
- Fr. Herb
|
|
|
August 9, 1998
THE GRACE OF SUMMER'S REST
(Although I usually write these messages myself, I am using -- with permission -- a little story that I have come upon by Samuel Torvend. Enjoy your summer while it lasts. - Fr. Herb)
An ancient story is told of Anthony, the fourth-century desert father, who enjoyed playing games in the summer evening. After witnessing this holy father play game after game with his disciples, one pilgrim gave him a scorching lecture on the wastefulness of such play.
Anthony asked the man to place an arrow in a bow and pull it back as far as he could. When he did this, Anthony then told him to pull the arrow tighter.
"No, not enough," he said, "Tighter, tighter." At last the pilgrim shouted, "If I pull it any tighter, the string will snap!"
Anthony walked a few paces away from the man, then turned to him and said, "Yes, you have spoken the truth. And so it is for the souls of all believers. We will snap if we are pulled tight and never find the time to play and relax."
|
|
|
August 2, 1998
SPREADING THE WORD
The wind often blows bits of paper around the church, with the space between the church and the rectory acting as a wind tunnel. Once the debris is brought into the area, often it seems to get dumped into my flowerbed, where it gets caught between the cone flowers and the phlox.
I was cleaning out the chewing gum wrappers and pieces of cellophane the other day when I found part of a note. On tablet paper, someone had written the words, "I'm sorry for what I did to you. Please forgive me...." The rest of the note was gone.
Those words, however, were enough. Sometimes the strongest and most powerful messge is one of apology, asking for forgiveness. It takes courage and a willingness to approach the other person again. I sincerely hope that the note was received by the right person before the wind got a hold of it. Furthermore, I pray that the apology was accepted. Through little steps like the that the whole world can be reborn.
Fr. Herb
|
|