I just returned from a week away. I scheduled some r & r for right after the closing celebrations of our 50th anniversary year. The first day of my vacation was rocked by the shootings at the Navy Yard. As the former pastor of the parish that included the Navy Yard, my thoughts and prayers were with the victims and their families. Our 12:10pm daily Mass at St. Vincent De Paul always included workers from the Navy Yard. Then in the middle of last week Pope Francis' interview sent shock waves through the Church and world. These two events; one dark and tragic the other hopeful and optimistic offer a clear choice for the challenges facing our world. We can either surrender to the dark voices calling us to resort to violence, hatred, death and destruction....or, we can choose to listen to Christ. Christ who calls us to humility, peace, and an embrace of the lost and forsaken. The truly lowly of our world need to know they are not alone. Pope Francis, in his interview, reminds us that as disciples our calling is to journey together...through life....through the messiness, the uncertainty, the fear and doubt. But always remembering that we journey with each other as equals; not standing in judgment of others but loving each and every person as a child of God. This is the greatest challenge facing the Church in the 21st century. If we are going to make a difference and make disciples, you and I must hear the voice of Christ above all the other voices in our world. When we hear him clearly, then we can truly follow. |