The Saturday Morning Post: "What We Have Here Is a Failure to Communicate"

May 29, 2021

Welcome, God and All...

This well-known quote (well, to my generation, anyway) from the 1967 motion picture Cool Hand Luke has been on my mind lately. It seems to particularly apply to one of the dearest things in my life, Holy Mother Church. You'd think by now I'd just chalk it up as 'one of those things' and bear it among some of the crosses in life I should quietly bear. I have...but I also have something of a sense that this contributes to the problem.

The sense of a lack of communication runs through the entire spectrum. That is, it's in nearly everything the Church touches. If your experience is different, you have my attention. Someday you'll have to tell me how it's working for you. As a minister, it can be frustrating at times.

I know that local parishes have to deal regularly with the irregularity of deaths within the congregational family. Parish funeral planners have a very short timeframe in which to contact ministers and to meet representatives of the deceased's family to select hymns and scripture readings for the funeral Mass. On some occasions we get to the afternoon before the Mass before we know what has been chosen. I'll cut the planner(s) a little slack because they're dealing with grieving family members who are possibly in a state of shock and confusion about the whole process and the many details those grieving family members have to arrange including the funeral Mass. That's par for the course, but communication issues run deeper than that.

Annually, the parish staff has to plan for the seasons of Advent/Christmas and Lent/Easter; and for the celebrations of First Holy Communion, and the celebration of the Sacrament of Confirmation, when the diocesan Bishop (or his designate) visits the parish. I wonder how much and how early priority is given to arranging all of the details. With the sacred days of the Pascal Triduum it's particularly tricky. Will new converts be received into the Church? How is the order of service properly executed? Who takes responsibility for having the right people or objects in the right place at the right time? How much time do they need in understanding their role(s) so that the liturgy runs smoothly?

Now lay the effects of the pandemic on top of this. It seems that the decision to shut down in mid-March last year was made quickly, but how well was that decision made and how well was it communicated? Now that it appears we have survived the worst of it, how well is the message of okay, it's time to come back now being conveyed? What remains different? What precautions should remain in place for those yet unvaccinated, especially children? Or those immuno-compromised? Will they get the wrong message when their diocesan bishop ends the dispensation from required attendance at Sunday Mass?

But hang on, dear reader. The real issue runs deeper than this.

Our Church is meant to run with solidarity. The bishops act in collegiality and communion with each other and with the Pope. If you've happened to follow anything coming out of the Church these days, you will note that there's not a lot of unity. German bishops want to allow same-sex marriage (or at least to bless their secular union). There are groups lobbying for married and even female clergy. And when we start dealing with the Church's hot-button issues - abortion, euthanasia, immigration, religious liberty, environmental stewardship - Pope Francis says one thing, some bishops and priests say another, and many try to avoid saying anything at all.

In just the last week or so, Fr. Michael Pfleger was cleared of abuse charges and will return to his pastorate at St. Sabina Church in Chicago. Those charges were reported in January, so it seems that this was resolved quickly when compared to Australia's Cardinal Pell or America's Theodore McCarrick. Pfleger's case got a lot of attention here in Chicago because of the unique position he's held for nearly the entire length of his priestly ministry - as a white priest and activist in an African-American parish.

Meanwhile, a conservative priest and pastor in LaCrosse, Wisconsin, has been ordered to resign by his diocesan bishop. Fr. James Altman has been quite vocal about how liberal thought and policy are destroying the Church and the fabric of society. Fr. Altman has gone on record against receiving the COVID vaccines. (They have only been approved for emergency use; thus they are considered experimental and anyone taking them is acting as a 'guinea pig'.) He has also gone on record saying that one "cannot be a Democrat and Catholic" - which makes sense, considering the over-the-top political agenda the current administration and Congress are pushing. Compare this to Jesuit priest Fr. James Martin, who is pushing for acceptance of the LBGTQI+ lifestyle as well as gender identity? I don't hear of any superior in the Church suggesting he resign.

Why is it only four of the approximately 300 bishops of the United States made a public point about the promotion of morally obtuse policy by Catholic politicians, particularly President Biden and House Speaker Pelosi? Didn't our Lord Jesus Christ command that they should speak boldly? Do they fear that what happened to John the Baptizer (The Chosen's "Creepy John") could happen to them? In spite of Jesus' frequent reminders of "Be Not Afraid"? (By the way, the call to speak boldly in defense of the Gospel is something all Catholics are enjoined to do.)

So, when all is said and done...and I know the teachings of the Church we honor this weekend and next are difficult to explain; that we give ourselves to ONE God in THREE distinct 'Persons'; and that Catholics believe on faith that the full, True, and Real Presence of Jesus Christ - Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity - exists in the form of the consecrated unleavened bread and wine. But if we are having this much trouble communicating - if the message isn't strong and clear about what I've written in the last six paragraphs - how can we come to believe in what this last paragraph (and don't forget the commands to "Love one another" and to evangelize) contains???

And...lest I forget...how well do we listen???

Discuss...and, until we meet again, may God be with you - and may God have mercy on us all...

+the Phoenix

The Saturday Morning Post: "We Will Abandon It All..."

 May 22, 2021

Welcome, God and All...

A couple of days ago, I participated in the funeral Mass of a longtime ministry colleague and friend. He and I spent five years together preparing for service. Since we were practically neighbors at the time (living two blocks apart), we traveled together to our formation classes and retreats. This allowed for the two (or three) gathered in the name of the Lord, and His silent inspiration allowed the two of us to engage in the lively art of conversation while we shared this part of our life pilgrimage; not unlike the two disciples on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24).

I recall as if it were only a short time ago that my friend said that he felt his journey toward God was as if he were alone on a small boat with no oars or sail, taken by the winds and waves of the Holy Spirit to wherever he was being led. I was reminded of that in an episode of The Chosen, where Peter first encounters Jesus on the fishing boat - although there were sails and oars on it, the waters were very still, the winds were calm.

I still look back on diaconal formation and see myself and my colleagues channeling the fabled Three (times four) Musketeers.    All for one and one for all. We would go out and transform the world by being deacons and beacons of light. We were prepared to say yes to God for anything. We were cautioned that it wouldn't be easy, but with Jesus in our corner, that didn't seem to be a great concern. We would learn otherwise quickly.

My story is detailed throughout this blog. I didn't readily consider my young family, and I certainly did not know then that I would be blessed (and I do consider myself blessed) with a son with developmental disabilities. My friend, along with most of the rest of my colleagues, were all older and their children out on their own. Still, both of us were burdened almost out of the starting gate by receiving new pastors who didn't necessarily see themselves parceling out pastoral-based ministry on subordinates. My friend managed to reach the diocesan office for clergy and religious and got himself reassigned until that pastor himself was reassigned a few years later. Me? No such luck - but looking back now, I came to realize that the path on which I now traveled in my pilgrimage was meant for me.

Not long after my son and I moved back to our old stomping grounds, there was a gathering at my old home parish that I attended. It so happened that three deacons (all named Bob) were there for the festivities, and we all gathered with the pastor as an unintended photo op. The elder among us had laid a nephew to rest some years ago. They had both just 'retired' from active ministry as health concerns prevented keeping what could easily have been (as I learn from other 'brothers' in ministry) a very busy schedule. I recall saying that one never fully retires from ordained ministry. I meant that, since there is always the burden of the ministry of prayer. And not unlike swimming against the current, I took to posting  meditations and reflections such as the one you are now reading.

In spite of obstacles, I have been kept busy. Just when life seems to be stalling, God provides. While cautious, opportunities seem to find me, and I find myself accepting the call to serve. At home, I am finding answers to perhaps my biggest challenge; that is, being diaconal to my developmentally challenged son. How it is best to seemingly over-promote encouragement when he remembers to do the simple things many parents would ordinarily take for granted. To guide him, like the Good Shepherd, when he needs direction. To participate in all things in a spirit of cooperation; to prioritize challenges and ultimately release frustration privately in prayer. To allow God to utilize me or set me aside, as He wills. This latter can best be summarized this way: Expect nothing, but prepare for anything.

I missed my friend long ago, when our paths diverged from the common road on which we traveled. I miss him more today, as I know is now among the growing list of people for whom I pray that God has already taken into Paradise. The good news for today is that we recognized that we learned much from each other. This helped us both to grow and mature in faith. It's one of the most important things a person must do with the life and graces God gives him...her...and you...and me.

Until we meet again, may God be with you...and may God pour out his Spirit of mercy on us all...

+the Phoenix

Making The Rough Places Plain: A Public Display of Affection

a reflection from my archives

May 13, 2021 (original date May 13, 2015)

The Memorial of Our Lady of Fatima

Welcome, God and All...

For seven years now, when I enter cyberspace (and in particular, Facebook) each morning one of the first things I do is to acknowledge God's presence. After all, aren't we as Christians supposed to believe and acknowledge that He is everywhere? On some days, I have something on my mind that's come directly from the spirit within me. Those I consider 'original'. Other days, I look to other sources for inspiration. They can be graphics shared by others, Bible verses, even music clips from You Tube. These are prefaced with a simple "Good Morning, God..." and I am then about other tasks. This is not a unique thing - I mean, I am not the only holy fool who throws thoughts, sentiments, and devotion into something short enough to satisfy Twitter (even though I do not use that particular service) and share it across a social media website. Some days I may see a handful of 'likes' and even a comment or two. It's nice to know others are reading these, but I'm not doing this for personal praise or attention. Other days go by with no reaction at all. I'm not a celebrity, world or local leader; and everyone I know has busy lives to live.

So I was a little surprised to see a comment with a question mark after a post one morning in which I shared a verse from Saint Paul; specifically Romans 15:4, in which he states that everything written in the past (here he's talking about the Old Testament and other related texts) was done to teach us in the present, and that through strength and encouragement taught in these words, we might have hope. Hope is something I want to bank as much as possible. In 2014, I lost my main source of employment, my wife, and my mother; all in the span of five weeks. I became a widower at 59 years of age, caring for an autistic adult son; without a lot in the way of tangible resources to sustain us for the long haul.

The question: Why do I talk to God via social media? Why not do this in private prayer?

It is a good question. After all, in Matthew 6:6 Jesus teaches that when we pray, we should "go to our inner room, close the door, and pray to our Father in secret." This in turn is followed by Jesus giving us His own words - the Lord's Prayer. Yet in the previous chapter, Jesus also says that we are the 'light of the world' and that nobody lights a lamp and puts it under a bushel basket, but rather on a lampstand where its light shines for everyone (cf. Matt 5:14-15). Honestly, this means there is space for both intimate dialogue with God and public displays of affection. Several feeds to which I subscribe like to quote Matthew 10:32-33. Those two verses exhort us to acknowledge Jesus Christ before others; denying Him before others will result in being denied before God. This flows further from verse 27 of the same chapter; what Jesus says in private, proclaim in public. This is my public proclamation.

I started posting these prayers daily initially as a form of spiritual therapy. Because of my losses, I had to hold on to hope. Hope that I could overcome grief. Hope that I could discern where God is leading me next, and the tremendous changes I am undergoing. Hope that I will not lose sight of what is truly important. Hope that I will allow God to lift me and my son up to the next level. All this in a world where self-centered indifference to God has become very much apparent. Once I started I knew I didn't want to stop. It came to me that, while sorting out what I should do next, I should take up the vocation of prayer, public as well as private. The pay is lousy but the benefits are out of this world!

I'm no scholar; no expert on coping with grief. I won't win any literary awards and I'm certainly not vying for the Nobel Peace Prize. Still, I will offer praise to God daily, in a modest public display of affection. Whenever I see a 'like' or comment, I lift up those friends in prayer as well. I don't have to know anything else. You see, I firmly believe that there's nobody - absolutely nobody - that isn't in need of prayer for someone or something. We're supposed to love our enemies and pray for our persecutors. As 'light of the world' we're called to be light-bearers, witnesses alive by and for the mercy and love of Christ. No doubt there will be great temptation and pressure to do otherwise. But if that tide can be withstood, even turned, so that more are earnest in prayer and publicly united in Christ, the foundation laid by Jesus is built up and the fog we walk in clears, the crooked ways are made straight, and the rough places made plain.

(c) 2015 Robert P. Balsamo