You'll never walk alone

I love the words of that inspirational song from Rogers and Hammerstein's musical Carousel, "You'll Never Walk Alone":

When you walk through the storm
Hold your head up high
And don't be afraid of the dark
At the end of the storm
There's a golden sky
And the sweet silver song of the lark

Walk on, through the wind
Walk on, through the rain
Though your dreams be tossed and blown
Walk on, walk on, with hope in your heart
And you'll never walk alone
You'll never walk alone

Walk on, walk on, with hope in your heart
And you'll never walk alone
You'll never walk alone

I found myself humming the fantastic version by David Phelps (my favorite tenor right now...praying I get to see him in Boston this next week!) on the last half of my walk last night after a graced encounter with a stranger out for a walk. 

This person stopped me to ask directions to Boston Road, and I said I was heading there. I felt like one of those running gurus who pick up followers on the way. When I introduced myself as Father it immediately framed the conversation. There was a lot of hurt from a past experience of the Church. 

It's moments like these that make me know that God is the one in control. But I am also deeply saddened and frustrated in some of my predecessors. I can't tell you how many people have left the Church because a priest once told them when they were young that they were going to hell. I don't want to accuse every priest, or judge pastoral situations, but it's happened so much and the stories are too frequent to deny that this was the message given to so many people. 

Instead, I believe in a God that always walks with us, even when we are unfaithful. He's always calling us back to himself. Perhaps this was a step back in the right direction. And at least for the last half of my 4 mile journey last night, I knew God was walking with me. 

The Assumption, on being still, and an experiment

Yesterday was a holy day of obligation, and one of great profundity. Celebrating the last of the great Marian dogmas, the Church focused on the mystery of the Assumption. Besides Masses, I was able to two things good for myself. 1. I went to the gym...because, as I said on Facebook, this body ain't assumed! And 2. I made a good confession. 

Steps 4 and 5 of the 12 say we should make a fearless and moral inventory of ourselves, then admit to ourselves, to God, and to another person the exact nature of our wrongs. This can be so freeing psychologically when done on a programmatic level...but this is a true encounter with Jesus in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. I needed it, and it keeps me going.

The mystery of the Assumption is not so hard to figure out. It's only logical that the sinless Virgin wouldn't see corruption even in death, but it's so hard to translate this logic to us who are sinful. That is, until we look to her Son, who paid the price for our sins. We won't see eternal corruption if we believe in her Son. This is where steps 4 and 5 can not be complete without an actual encounter of Jesus, who takes away our sins. 

Today I woke up and said Mass, then got in a car with friends and headed to Spencer Abbey in Spencer, Ma to have a half day retreat. It was great to be still even more with the Lord who loves me and has mercy on me. I walked around the beautiful property for half of my exercise for the day (I swam tonight). It is certainly a magnificent place. 

When at lunch, even though I was tempted to stray, I continued in a new effort since yesterday, an experiment, really. Part religious, part let's see what effects it has...I'm giving up meat for a while. Don't know how long. Don't know if I'll even be able to keep it up. But it's something I'm gonna try. I've stuck to it for two days now. Vamos a ver. 

Romans 14:17

For the kingdom of God is not a matter of food and drink, but of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. -Romans 14:17

This week there has certainly been a lot to be joyful about. Our new Bishop, Mitchell Rosanski, was installed as the 9th Bishop of Springfield. The Cathedral was filled with so much enthusiasm, thanksgiving, and hope that the future of our Diocese will be carefully and prudently guided by the warm figure of our new shepherd. Bishop Mitchell is definitely a welcome addition to our Diocese, and a very pleasant man to meet. I have met him now on three occasions, and each encounter has shown him to be kind and approachable. I thank Bishop Timothy for his many kindnesses to me since I have returned to Guest House, especially for his acknowledgment of my accomplishments and the care with which he notices my continued progress. I wish him the best in retirement, and pray for him good health and many years as Bishop emeritus in our Diocese. 

The Scripture passage quoted above also is a sobering reminder that the work I do to keep my body, mind, and soul healthy is always at the service of a greater good, that of the kingdom. If it were simply the case that I am on this journey for myself, there wouldn't be a need to even write this blog. If it were about the food or the drink, if it were simply about telling you what to eat or what to avoid, I would get lost amongst all the other diet and calories club websites and blogs out there. And I'm no expert in this, I still struggle! But, the truth of the matter is that the end goal of this is not perfect bodily health for my own sake or for yours, it is the fact that my present endeavors are meant to sustain a lifetime of service to God's Church for the sake of the Kingdom of God. 

The simple truth is that in serving my higher power, I hope to be filled with righteousness, peace, and the joy of the Holy Spirit, and that, through this witness, many others will come to know the same blessings in their lives. They are something that food or drink can never give....well, unless we are talking about the Holy Eucharist!

Feast of the Transfiguration

Happy Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord! Mountaintop experiences are certainly my favorite things to talk about these days. I love climbing, the exhilaration, the excitement as you're drawing near the top, the view, and the realization that there's still a quad killing journey down. Today's feast day celebrates an important climb where Jesus shows his disciples the goal, the light at the end of the tunnel. Life certainly changes when you encounter Jesus, and he will show you that even in the midst of suffering, there is glory to come, there is hope.

For those of you struggling to make it through your food plan, exercise routine, work, home life, sinfulness, or sickness, Jesus is your hope and strength. Listen to him at Mass, read his word in Scripture, contemplate the mystery of the Transfiguration. Ask the Lord to help change you, to give you a little glimpse of the life to come.

It is awesome when I meet someone whom I haven't seen in a year and they are in awe of the transformation that has occurred. They often refer to the sparkle in my eyes. That's all the Lord.