The Pastor of a parish community uniquely identifies with the stories of scriptures as often he finds himself in the same position of those God called to prophetically lead God’s people in the desert of time. Today, we hear of Moses and the ever-complaining people God tasked him to lead. Moses is attempting to lead God’s people from slavery into freedom in their own land, but the journey is hard. Of course, here is when I say, “Who said it would be easy?” The people complained. God punished. Moses healed.
This past year has been difficult on everyone…period. There will be more pain. The COVID cross of suffering has been on our doorstep for over a year. Our lives and journey of faith has been in upheaval. Lives have been lost or forever changed. Our practice of faith has been impacted. The virus has been rampant and rampantly politicized. Our rights have been trampled. And the people grumbled!
Amidst all we have experienced my hope and prayer is that you have taken the opportunity to see with gracious eyes anew the preciousness of human life and the dignity of the freedom of God’s children. To approach those things, we cannot change with a heart of patience throwing off complaints followed by stubborn inaction or self-pity. Our Lenten journey continues to the Cross, through the Cross, on the Cross and beyond the Cross. Where are you in contributing a verse in the powerful play that goes on? What will your verse be?
Mr. Keating, the English professor played by Robin Williams in “The Dead Poet’s Society,” exemplified as he stood upon the desk in his classroom before his young students asking them, “Why do I stand upon my desk?” He continued, “I stand up here to remind myself that we must constantly look at things in a different way.” How have you been invited to SEE anew and renewed in this past year?
Spiritual Reflection: “Patience has worn thin by this pandemic journey…the people complained. What are you going to do to move ahead?”
Continuing our journey,
Fr. Mark
