The "Post" Revisited: Populos Sion - Your Popular Scion (or Sign)

The Second Sunday of Advent (Year A)

(from my archives, December 3, 2016)

 Welcome, God and All...

A few years back I took a whimsical look at the Latin Entrance Chants for the four Sundays in Advent. Of the three-year cycle, Year A featured all the original pre-Vatican II texts. For the text for the First Sunday of Advent, I took the opening words of Psalm 25, (Ad te levabi...) "To You, O Lord, I lift my soul...") and in an unusual play on words. came up with "To Your Levis", a brief commentary on the growing trend of online shopping for the holiday, more often in pajamas than jeans. It led, like the reflection below, led to something more of a seasonal spiritual reflection.

The second weekend of Advent begins with an antiphon from Isaiah 30:19. The Latin text is "Populus Sion"; in English, "People of Zion”; but over time became rendered as "Popular Scion", a nod to the Japanese sub-compact car. A holiday tradition developed with cars of this size, beginning with the Volkswagen Beetle. How many people can you pack into one of these vehicles? Then it's off to the mall for shopping, and the subsequent cramming the passengers AND their packages back into that small car. I understand one enterprising young Russian man used this experience to develop the video game Tetris.

But the Scion is a recent casualty as well as a development. With the faltering economy of the 21st Century, parent Toyota stopped producing the Scion; apparently it was not as popular as we thought. However, long before the automobile, we had the "Popular Sign." Burma Shave comes to mind. Also, the poor notion that people need "signs and wonders" in their own time to understand and believe in the presence of God and in the truth that his Son, Jesus came among humanity; and that his presence is still real and among us. More than a sign, it is the greatest gift; helping to establish the tradition of the exchange of gifts in this holy season. 

More importantly, we are urged to share the gifts we receive. I'm not talking about sharing unmentionables here, but gifts of compassion, mercy and love. St. Matthew (our featured evangelist in this liturgical year), writes: "The gift you have received, give as a gift" (Matthew 10:8) The staff at Presentation Ministries (presentationministries.com) posted an excellent reflection on the gift lists we should be considering this season. Regardless of potential risk, in the interest of sharing 'gifts' I'm posting their thoughts below.

One of the most famous (or infamous) Christmas songs from my childhood is "All I Want for Christmas is My Two Front Teeth." Sadly, if that's all you want, that may be all you'll get. I don't know about you, but I want a lot more than some teeth:

• I want the sick cured, the dead raised, the leprous healed, and demons expelled (Matthew 10:8).
• I want workers for the harvest (Matthew 9:38) and the kingdom of God on earth as it is in heaven (Matthew 6:10).
• I want a deep, totally committed relationship with Jesus, not only for me but also for every member of my family, my friends, and all of you.
• I want the baptism in the Spirit, the "streams of running water" (Isaiah 30:25), for every believer in the world.
• I want world evangelism, repentance, conversion, sanctification, and healing.
• I want an end to war, starvation, abortion, racism, and injustice.
• I want Jesus' Second Coming, the end of the world, and "new heavens and a new earth" (Revelation 21:1).
• I want to see Jesus face to face (1 Corinthians 13:12). 

That's what I want for Christmas. And my heavenly Father says (with compassion): "Is that all?"

Indeed, God's abundance is infinite. And this should be a sign for you (see Luke 2:12).

Until we meet again, Come, Emmanuel!

+the Phoenix

The "Post" - In Memoriam 2025

 

Welcome, God and All...

As we remember our own family and friends who have passed into eternal life, I add a partial listing of VIPs that made that passage since last Hallowtide. This is the true purpose of Halloween, to honor, remember, and pray that our dearly departed did not live life in vain. This listing may contain the deaths of both famous and infamous. As Christians, we are commanded by Jesus to pray for both.

1. 2024

   1. October (22^nd - 31^st)

22 - Grizzly 399, 28, grizzly bear (b. 1996)

22 - Fernando Valenzuela, 63, Mexican-born baseball player (Los Angeles Dodgers), owner (Tigres de Quintana Roo) and broadcaster, World Series champion (1981) (b. 1960)

23 - Jack Jones, 86, singer ("Wives and Lovers", "Love Boat") and actor (Over the Garden Wall) (b. 1938)

24 - Clark Kent, 57, Panamanian–born DJ, hip hop record producer and music executive (b. 1966)

25 - Phil Lesh, 84, Hall of Fame musician (Grateful Dead) and songwriter ("Box of Rain", "Truckin'") (b. 1940)

29 - Teri Garr, 79, actress (Young Frankenstein, Tootsie, Mr. Mom) (b. 1944)

2. November

1 - Peanut, c. 7, Eastern grey squirrel, Instagram subject (b. 2017)

3 - Quincy Jones, 91, Hall of Fame composer (The Slender Thread, In the Heat of the Night), record producer (Thriller) and songwriter (b. 1933)

16 - Sir Lady Java, 82, drag performer and transgender rights activist (b. 1942)

18 - Bob Love, 81, basketball player (Chicago Bulls) (b. 1942)

23 -Chuck Woolery, 83, game show host (Wheel of Fortune, Love Connection) and musician (The Avant-Garde) (b. 1941)

25 - Hal Lindsey, 95, evangelist and Christian writer (The Late Great Planet Earth) (b. 1929)

3. December

2 - Debbie Mathers, 69, author (My Son Marshall, My Son Eminem) (b. 1955)

10 - Kreskin, 89, mentalist (b. 1935)

13 - Lemon Drop Kid, 28, Thoroughbred racehorse, winner of the 1999 Belmont Stakes (b. 1996)

16 - Anita Bryant, 84, singer and anti-gay activist (b. 1940)

17 - Mike Brewer, 80, musician (Brewer & Shipley) and songwriter ("One Toke Over the Line") (b. 1944)

20 - Rickey Henderson, 65, Hall of Fame baseball player (Oakland Athletics, New York Yankees, San Diego Padres), World Series champion (1989, 1993) (b. 1958)

27 - Greg Gumbel, 78, sportscaster (CBS Sports, NFL) (b. 1946)

29 - Jimmy Carter, 100, politician, president (1977–1981), governor of Georgia (1971–1975), Nobel Peace Prize laureate (2002) (b. 1924)

2. 2025

   1. January

1 - Wayne Osmond, 73, singer (The Osmonds) (b. 1951)

3 - William Leo Higi, 91, Roman Catholic prelate, bishop of Lafayette (1984–2010) (b. 1933)

7 - Peter Yarrow, 86, singer (Peter, Paul and Mary, "Leaving on a Jet Plane") and songwriter ("Puff, the Magic Dragon") (b. 1938)

10 - Sam Moore, 89, singer (Sam & Dave) (b. 1935)

16 - Bob Uecker, 90, baseball player (Milwaukee Braves, St. Louis Cardinals) and broadcaster (Milwaukee Brewers) (b. 1934)

26 - Norbert, 15, therapy dog (b. 2009)

2. February

7 - Tony Roberts, 85, actor (Annie Hall, Play It Again, Sam, A Midsummer Night's Sex Comedy) (b. 1939)

18 - Hurricane, 15, Secret Service dog (b. 2009)

24 - Robert John, 79, singer ("Sad Eyes", "If You Don't Want My Love") (b. 1946)

26 - Gene Hackman, 95, actor (The French Connection, Mississippi Burning, Unforgiven) (b. 1930) (body discovered on this date)

3. March

5 - Pamela Bach, 61, actress (Baywatch) (b. 1963)

11 - Bob Rivers, 68, Hall of Fame radio personality (KISW, KJR) and parody musician (Twisted Christmas) (b. 1956)

21 - Kitty Dukakis, 88, author and political figure, first lady of Massachusetts (1975–1979, 1983–1991) (b. 1936)

29 - Richard Chamberlain, 90, actor (Dr. Kildare, Shōgun, The Thorn Birds) and singer (b. 1934)

4. April

1 - Val Kilmer, 65, actor (Batman Forever, The Prince of Egypt, The Doors) (b. 1959)

3 - Theodore McCarrick, 94, Roman Catholic cardinal, archbishop of Newark (1986–2000) and Washington (2001–2006) (b. 1930)

6 - Jay North, 73, actor (Dennis the Menace, Zebra in the Kitchen, Maya) (b. 1951)

15 - Wink Martindale, 91, disc jockey, game show host (Gambit, Tic-Tac-Dough) and singer ("Deck of Cards") (b. 1933)

23 - Steve McMichael, 67, Hall of Fame football player (New England Patriots, Chicago Bears) and wrestler (b. 1957)

28 - Stanley Girard Schlarman, 91, Roman Catholic prelate, bishop of Dodge City (1983–1998) and auxiliary bishop of Belleville (1979–1983) (b. 1933)

29 - Roy Cooper, 69, rodeo cowboy (b. 1955)

5. May

1 - Ruth Buzzi, 88, comedian (Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In) and actress (Sesame Street, The Berenstain Bears) (b. 1936)

2 - George Ryan, 91, politician, Illinois Secretary of State (1991–1999) and governor (1999–2003) (b. 1934)

20 - George Wendt, 76, actor (Cheers, Fletch, No Small Affair) (b. 1948)

25 - Phil Robertson, 79, television personality (Duck Dynasty), inventor, and founder of Duck Commander (b. 1946)

26 - Rick Derringer, 77, musician (The McCoys), singer ("Rock and Roll, Hoochie Koo") and record producer ("Weird Al" Yankovic) (b. 1947)

29 - Alf Clausen, 84, television composer (The Simpsons, ALF, Moonlighting), Emmy winner (1997, 1998) (b. 1941)

6. June

9 - Sly Stone, 82, Hall of Fame singer (Sly and the Family Stone, "Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin)", "Everyday People") (b. 1943)

11 - Brian Wilson, 82, singer-songwriter (The Beach Boys, "Good Vibrations") and record producer (Pet Sounds) (b. 1942) (death announced on this date)

14 - Melissa Hortman, 55, politician, speaker (2019–2025) and member (since 2005) of the Minnesota House of Representatives, shot (b. 1970)

17 - Anne Burrell, 55, chef and television personality (Secrets of a Restaurant Chef, Worst Cooks in America, Iron Chef America) (b. 1969)

18 - Lou Christie, 82, singer-songwriter ("Lightnin' Strikes", "Rhapsody in the Rain", "I'm Gonna Make You Mine") (b. 1943)

24 - Bobby Sherman, 81, actor (Here Come the Brides) and singer (b. 1943)

26 - Bill Moyers, 91, journalist, White House Press Secretary (1965–1967) (b. 1934)

27 - Joseph Martin Sartoris, 97, Roman Catholic prelate, auxiliary bishop of Los Angeles (1994–2002) (b. 1927)

7. July

1 - Jimmy Swaggart, 90, televangelist and gospel musician (b. 1935)

9 - Lee Elia, 87, baseball player (Chicago White Sox, Chicago Cubs) and executive (Philadelphia Phillies) (b. 1937)

14 - Bill Chamberlain, 75, basketball player (Memphis Tams, Kentucky Colonels, Phoenix Suns) (b. 1949)

16 - Connie Francis, 87, singer ("Who's Sorry Now?", "Pretty Little Baby") and actress (Where the Boys Are) (b. 1937)

17 - Alan Bergman, 99, composer and songwriter (b. 1925)

21 - Malcolm-Jamal Warner, 54, actor (The Cosby Show, Malcolm & Eddie, Reed Between the Lines) (b. 1970) (death announced on this date)

22 - Chuck Mangione, 84, jazz flugelhornist, trumpeter and composer (b. 1940)

22 - Ozzy Osbourne, 76, English-born Hall of Fame musician (Black Sabbath), songwriter ("Paranoid"), and television personality (The Osbournes) (b. 1948)

24 - Hulk Hogan, 71, Hall of Fame professional wrestler (AWA, WWE), actor (Rocky III) and television personality (b. 1953)

26 - Tom Lehrer, 97, songwriter, satirist and mathematician (b. 1928)

28 - Ryne Sandberg, 65, Hall of Fame baseball player (Chicago Cubs) and coach (Philadelphia Phillies) (b. 1959)

8. August

3 - Loni Anderson, 79, actress (WKRP in Cincinnati, All Dogs Go to Heaven, A Night at the Roxbury) (b. 1945)

20 - Humpy Wheeler, 86, motorsports promoter (NASCAR) (b. 1938)

9. September

4 - Baddiewinkle, 97, internet personality (b. 1928)

10 - Charlie Kirk, 31, conservative activist, founder of Turning Point USA (b. 1993)

10 - Bobby Hart, 86, musician (Boyce and Hart) and songwriter ("Come a Little Bit Closer", "Last Train to Clarksville") (b. 1939)

14 - Jim Edgar, 79, politician, governor (1991–1999) and secretary of state (1981–1991) of Illinois, member of the Illinois House of Representatives (1977–1979) (b. 1946)

16 - Robert Redford, 89, actor (Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, Captain America: The Winter Soldier, All the President's Men) and film director (Ordinary People), Oscar winner (1980) (b. 1936)

19 - Sonny Curtis, 88, Hall of Fame musician (The Crickets) and songwriter ("I Fought the Law", "Walk Right Back") (b. 1937)

10. October (thru 10/25)

9 - Sister Jean Dolores Schmidt, BVM, 106, religious sister (Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary) and chaplain (Loyola Ramblers) (b. 1919)

11 - Diane Keaton, 79, actress (Annie Hall, The Godfather, Something's Gotta Give), Oscar winner (1978) (b. 1946) (death announced on this date)

16 - Ace Frehley, 74, guitarist (Kiss) (b. 1951)

23 - June Lockhart, 100, actress (Lost in Space, Lassie, Petticoat Junction) (b. 1925)

May their souls and the souls of all the faithful departed through Your mercy, O Lord, rest in peace.

Until we meet again, may God be with you...and may God have mercy on us all…

+the Phoenix

The 'Post': The 'Stuff" of Dreams

 Welcome, God and All...

Some of our most profound experiences happen when the subconscious produces a drama only seen with the eyes closed, in the world of dreams.

The Bible contains several instances of visions received in dreams. In the Old Testament, Joseph and Daniel interpreted dreams of serious import to Pharaoh and Nebuchadnezzar, respectively. In the New Testament, Joseph (Jesus' guardian and foster father) receives dreams from an angel (likely the Archangel Gabriel) to take Mary, already pregnant, as his spouse; and to flee Bethlehem for Egypt during the raging of Herod the king, and still when it was safe to return home to Nazareth. In the Acts of the Apostles, Peter receives a vision in a dream in which he is shown that the Christian world did not have to subscribe to the dietary and other restrictions of the Jewish faith - thus showing that Christ's mission and ministry was to be open to everyone.

The first Inside Out movie from Disney and Pixar depicted a scenario of how dreams happen and are played out when you are not quite asleep and not fully awake. The film's humorous take on Riley's subconscious is one-way dreams walk one though a replay of a past experience. Dreams can be symbolic, too. Those dreams and visions throughout much of the Bible run the gamut from obviously simple interpretation to things that challenge us to understand what the dreams and visions represent. The symbolism behind dreams has its own place in modern-day psychoanalysis.

Dreams can be recurring; that is, can replay several times such as the anniversary of a loved one's death, or a past experience that have sudden twists and turns and flashes between one scene and another, unrelated in any way.

Having said that, I had a very serious and troubling dream recently. Before I get into its specifics, I should update the reader on real-life events in my life that I believe served as a trigger to this specific dream.

The targeted restructuring of one parish in which I serve merging with a neighboring parish stalled, having the Church equivalent of a restraining order as a result of a petition by my parish to review and eventually overturn the decree of the diocesan bishop to effect the merge. I am trying to be a discerning listener as factions on either side of the issue are sorting out the plusses and minuses of the immediate situation. Listening is one thing I understood was part of diaconal ministry, even if only to allow all sides of a situation to vent. I have no power or influence whatever in the final decision, which will come from Rome "soon". But as I have a vested interest in the outcome, I listen with patience and restraint.

Meanwhile, at the other parish I serve, I was asked and subsequently volunteered to assist with livestreaming daily Mass. But some complications not of my own making are giving this the look and feel of a part-time job. Indeed, all of the ministry projects in which I'm involved, although some are temporary, are keeping me very busy.

And then there are bizarre stories that can only happen within the Church. The bizarre debate over the use of the (1962) Traditional Latin Mass, the hypersensitivity and inconsiderate references to sexual overtures, even the argument over what constitutes good and appropriate music in the liturgy are all within my sphere of experience.

And a news item I read the other day was also upsetting. In the Diocese of Pittsburgh PA, there is a rather unusual situation. According to reports, a single parish has seven satellite locations or "worship sites" - each one at one time a separate parish, but now all under one pastoral umbrella due to restructuring. The main parish just announced that it must close the seven other campuses due to financial circumstances. It stands to reason; restructuring took financial concerns into consideration along with clerical staffing. But how this was allowed to be created in the first place is the likely reason for its failure, hence the decision to close these other facilities.

Makes you wonder just what is going on between the Church of Christ (Catholic) and the "Church Incorporated", and what bizarre twists and turns have led us to where we are now. And herein lies what my subconscious had to play with. That, and the lack of deep sleep - due to neuropathy in my feet and hot flashes (bed sweats) as a side effect of the medication I am taking for prostate cancer, all comes together in the following scene.

I am in a church, presumably for Mass, and the first thing I see is children playing in the sanctuary - tossing around the empty chalice, crayon drawing on the altar linens, doing what toddlers do to hymnals. And I am visibly upset. This is the house of prayer to God, and someone has turned it into a playground!

Someone had to allow this to happen (certainly not the children's parents), and while Jesus said "let the children come to Me" I didn't believe this was what He intended. So I locate a man who appeared to be the facilitator, and I let him have it. A verbal barrage, from both barrels. How can this be allowed? Doesn't anybody else realize that this is a sacred place? You are allowing this house of God to be defiled, and it must stop! NOW!!

And with a simple gesture redirecting my gaze to the scene over which I was so angered, the Mass was going on as it normally would, and people were receiving Holy Communion...and there were many, many empty seats.

And then I became aware that I was no longer asleep.

I don't have a clue what this is supposed to mean or symbolize. And all I could think in my mind and pray, for the next fifteen minutes, over and over, was God, why are You showing me this? What am I supposed to make of this? What have I done or am doing that would paint something like this in my subconscious mind?

I have been struggling with my true worth before God lately, so much so that I have wondered whether I need to see a spiritual counselor. Time and finances have kept me from doing so. I have talked to colleagues over some of this, mainly to get it out from inside and not really expecting any answer. The vibe I'm getting is that I'm doing fine and anyone at this level of attachment to things of the Church should not consider this unusual. Continue to pray. Continue doing what you're doing, because you do it very well. That being said, I still feel that I have an uncommon and yet, still very confused sense of how any of this fits in with what I've been taught regarding the intent Jesus had as he named Peter as "the rock on which (He) will build (His Church).

How many more nights like this can I expect? Pray for me as I pray for you.

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

+the Phoenix

The Post: Of Cabbage-Heads and Would-Be Kings

 Welcome, God and All (I think)...

It's been six months since I last completed a reflection and posted it here.

In that time, while trying to maintain a quiet life, I've come to realize that I cannot stay silent or ignorant of the world around me. Social media keeps banging loudly at my virtual door in the latter; and in the former, my Lord and God commands that there are times when I must speak out.

You got me right. As a Catholic Christian disciple, I'm supposed to call out injustice wherever and wherever it exists. Additionally, I have to do so in such a way as to address the issues and not judge those who create such issues or promote said injustice. This is something I shouldn't do rashly.

We are, by and large, a reactionary society. Something is said or done, and we look to see how our neighbors and leaders, and sometimes even our pastors react to it. Our quest to know what the trending reactions are is so great, we turn to media pundits and even former government leaders for their reactions. All this really seems to do, however, is to muddy the murky landscape to the point that it's extremely difficult to navigate.

i don't believe for one minute that political leadership isn't aware of this and will purposely manipulate facts and speculation to state their case on how they intend to deal with an issue. In a society seriously divided, a reaction on one side forces a counter-reaction on the other side in a spiral that digs deeper and deeper so that it would take direct divine intervention to resolve the issue.

Chicago, near my home turf, seems to be at the epicenter of a number of things. Cardinal Blase Cupich was to bestow a lifetime achievement award to retiring Illinois Senator Dick Durbin, for his work in dealing with the plight of impoverished immigrants. This caused immediate reaction from several other bishops as well as some of the Catholic faithful; Durbin's voting record favored the right to procure an abortion and as such, negated his eligibility to receive such an award. Now that we have an American-born, English-speaking pope, Leo XIV was immediately asked to weigh in on the situation. His answer surprised many. Being 'pro-life' is an all-encompassing thing. You can't be against abortion and promote the separation of families torn apart due to the immigration status of one or both parents. Senator Durbin, aware of the scandal this could cause, declined acceptance of the award - a sign, perhaps, that this is another "near occasion" of sin.

And on that immigration front, because of the Trump administration's overstatement of the issue, efforts were stepped up in a big way to remove perceived illegals from the country, especially in 'sanctuary' cities like Chicago and Portland, Oregon, where local officials offer free health care, driver's licenses and deep subsidies on housing and do not cooperate with federal agents executing their mandated orders. That not being enough, the National Guard has been called into these cities, along with Los Angeles and Washington DC, even as state and local authorities say they're not wanted.

The President is well known for going to extremes to advance his agenda. We're split down the middle on it. Some say that he is the first American leader in forty years to effectively get anything done, while others claim that his leadership style resembles that of dictators and royalty from other eras in world history (and other leaders in different parts of the world today). Meanwhile, the Church, as the world's moral mouthpiece, vainly attempts to be apolitical, and it's not working.

And what is our reaction to all this?

One would hope there would be prayer first, that the Holy Spirit would motivate us to appropriate action. What seems to be happening, though, is to turn this situation into a nation-wide protest movement and party at the same time, in a so-called "family-friendly" rally called "No Kings". Now we haven't had "royalty" in America in 250 years, and, to my best knowledge, if we had a king, we would not likely be allowed to hold such a protest.

Organizers and some of the participants say the purpose of this huge gathering is to make a statement to the President and his administration, as well as his backing political party. Excuse me, but they're ignoring you. Not to mention that Congress can't get a spending bill passed and as a result, the government has been effectively shut down for the last two weeks, with no end in sight. Yet congressmen and senators are still getting paid..to do nothing; while furloughed government employees can't pay bills and are lining up at food pantries to be able to feed themselves and their families.

To further draw attention to themselves, some protesters have donned costumes, dressing like frogs, unicorns, and sheep. It's not a Halloween party - and don't get me started on how I see that a sacred time to remember our beloved dead (and to remind us of our own death someday), has been totally bastardized by the culture. They don't realize that God sees the sin within us through the hideous and grotesque costumes we choose to wear. What would Jesus do to a generation that charges admission to scare you out of your skin (and makes you sign affidavits to release them from any liability should someone have an extreme reaction to their creepshow)? 

How do I testify the truth in this, especially to colleagues and family and friends who may believe I'm over-reacting? 

It's a difficult situation. I am not a big people person. Growing up in a large Catholic household, miles away at the time from anything meaningful, split-up from what neighborhood friends I had because I went to a Catholic school, and later because the public school system couldn't be consistent about where they sent us 'outliers' - and ridiculed by peers because they falsely thought the town I lived in was also home to a state mental hospital - made me something of an isolationist. So I am troubled by having to accept their opinions on issues when I believe they are being misled or under-informed. Or am I the real problem?

Little by little I have come out of my shell, despite having to uproot myself at least four times - and Lord, I love you despite the fact that I am getting too old to keep dealing with the same circular arguments again and again and again. 

I acknowledge You, Christ Jesus, and You alone, as my One True King and Lord and Savior. Lead me in your righteousness! Make Thy way plain before my face!!

Amen...

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

+the Phoenix

Making the Rough Places Plain: On the Topic of Cancer

 May 5, 2025

Welcome, God and All...

No, that's not a typo error in the title.

In my most recent reflection, I got seriously pensive. I didn't share it to my social media page as I ultimately considered it negative from a circumstantial perspective.

Some things have changed. I won't take back what I wrote, as those words were thoughts I had at that moment in time. But some things have been made clearer. I don't feel like it's still Lent. There is hope, hope in which one can rejoice. Saint Paul wrote that hope does not disappoint, and when one recognizes this, possibilities are often within reach.

Points that I need to clarify. Yes, I have prostate cancer. Many men are 'afflicted' with it; I read somewhere once upon a time that as much as half the adult male population in the US of A have it. My father, upon learning the confirmed diagnosis from me, told me that he has it (he's almost 94 years old); and two of his uncles also had it with one of them living to the ripe age of 101. Some have no issues with it. In others, it can lead to complications which will have God send you His summons.

The diagnosis, confirmed in a PET scan, initially was vague, so I was referred to an oncologist (cancer specialist). When I went to see him, he confirmed the prostate diagnosis but said this had not spread elsewhere. Then we discussed treatment options. Hope showed her face again. Chemotherapy was set aside. So was the removal of the prostate. When I called my colleague who is the coordinator of the music ministry at one of the parishes where I serve (I had promised to give her an update in case I had to take time off), she asked if any surgical options discussed. My answer: Not unless you want a 70-year-old boy soprano in the choir, which gave us both a moment to laugh.

The path of treatment I am following is more for maintenance than for remission. The oncologist referred to this as hormone therapy, something to do with blocking testosterone which may be cancerous from exiting the prostate and affecting other organs. I receive an injection at the hospital (outpatient) every three months. Apparently to help it work or to prevent side effects, I take two oral medicines (in addition to what I'm taking for other ailments) daily. One is a highly controlled medicine that is provided through the hospital's pharmacy system and is delivered to me by courier from near downtown Chicago. That is taken almost immediately after waking up in the morning and is followed by a 2-hour fast, after which I eat and take my other morning meds. Side effects are supposedly minimal. I can't have grapefruit any more in any form. (I didn't have it all that often but would occasionally have a taste for it.) Before each injection, the oncologist will review blood tests to see if there is an improvement in my PSA levels. As with many other things in my life, I am guardedly optimistic that this will not put an end to what I do and am more or less planning accordingly.

There has been an update regarding the status of the parish merge that was supposed to happen in July. The parish faithful, after having an appeal denied by the local diocesan bishop, sent another appeal to the appropriate dicastery (read as commission or department) in Vatican City, that independent state adjacent to Rome, Italy that serves as the global headquarters for the Roman Catholic Church. Being the huge bureaucracy that is the Church (as well as its shadow, The Church, Incorporated) it was not anticipated that an answer to the appeal petition would be swift. So, how is this being dealt with? The merging parishes - for now - will remain two separate entities. However, the clerical assignment essentially will not change. The incoming pastor retains the title of pastor of the other parish and acts as parochial administrator of our parish. He cannot make substantial changes to our parish while the appeal is being processed. This doesn't mean he can't make any changes, so the title change is mostly cosmetic. What might happen versus what has to wait is up for discussion.

Add to this the passing of Pope Francis on April 21. All focus in the Vatican shifts during sede vacante (empty seat) or Interregnum (between the reigns) and only the most essential business is conducted, namely, the period of mourning and burial of Francis followed by the conclave to elect his successor, and then the formal installation of a new pope. And much like our American presidents appoint their particular Cabinet secretaries, the new pope has the ability to replace the heads of the various dicasteries as he sees fit, so a process that might take some time just got made longer. Some have indicated that our appeal may be hung up in cardinal red tape for up to a year.

And where does that leave me? Truthfully, at this point about the same place I would be if no appeal had been made. I have expressed to my colleague that my intention is still the same; and that I will serve as long as God allows. Which means, after much prayer and discernment, if my health gets the better of me, or the pastoral administrator or my colleague thanks me for my service but indicates it cannot continue, I am out. I want to be supportive but will not put up a fight to keep my position if that is the outcome. 

I am concerned for the staff that now doesn't know whether their jobs are safe or for how long. I have shared some thoughts about what questions should be asked and how they might be answered. The truth is, with 56 days left under the current pastor and structure, nobody really knows, including the diocesan representative overseeing the transition process. Because Easter occurred so late this year, most parishes involved in merging or amalgamations or closure haven't begun any of the internal processes they should have started in mid-February, regardless of the filing of an appeal. There has been considerable wailing and gnashing of teeth over the last year and, sadly, more is to come. But the delay can be seen as a cause for joy. Maybe, by the time it is finally resolved, the fight will have been worth it.

Meanwhile, the world speculates and makes commentary, and the President of the US of A is caught up in it. A journalist with an ounce of responsibility would never have asked Mr. Trump who he thought should be the next pope. Of course, he would choose himself and follow that up with an AI-generated image of himself dressed as the pontiff. Not an ounce of dignity or respect seems to fill his head unless he's at the center of it all. Enough said.

And so, the saga continues. But don't worry; be happy. Worse things have happened. I really do appreciate having no shame in asking for prayer. And I consider myself blessed to have the Divine Physician on my 'team'. I'll still have my moments, but I haven't walked this path for this long and not learned from it that God indeed has the final Word on everything.

Until we meet again, may God be with you - and may the risen Lord of Justice have mercy on us all...

+the Phoenix

The Post: The One I Don't Know How to Write

 April 17, 2025

Welcome, God and All...

If Lent seems a little later and/or longer than usual this year, it's not in your head. In 2025, Easter (the date of which is determined by the lunar cycle once past the Vernal Equinox) is about as late in the calendar as it gets, April 20. It's not an unusual occurrence in itself, but in a few of those years it seemed Lent didn't quite end with Easter Sunday.

In 1994, Easter came on the late side. I probably didn't notice it, because Lent seemed to unofficially continue that year, at least in my head. My colleagues and I were in the final phases of preparation for ordination to the diaconate when a new bishop was appointed for my diocese (the previous one having retired, reaching the age limit) and whether we would be ordained, or the last five years lost as a colossal waste of time, was his and his alone to decide.

Twenty years later, Easter came on April 21st and was immediately eclipsed by being unemployed only three weeks before, and my wife confined to bed. It was the last day she would hold a conversation with anyone. That night she suffered a stroke; ten days later, she crossed the bridge into eternity, where I continue to pray that she is in the arms of the Good Shepherd of all souls.

Easter is the great religious festival for Christianity, but like so many other religious observances it has become secularized, and in some cases treated as just another Sunday in the calendar. Families may gather, but the splendor of dressing in your best and often newest clothes along with the colorful bonnets adorning the ladies' heads are long gone. The candy children were urged to give up for Lent as a penance or offering is still devoured ravenously as on Halloween but has been replaced in some households by a basket of toys - and for the adult children, the basket may hold wines and/or cheeses.

Television networks would invariably broadcast epic movies. For the children, The Wizard of Oz, because of the vivid use of color in one of the first motion pictures to utilize color cinematography. For the adults, The Ten Commandments, Cecil B. DeMille's biblical masterpiece about Moses and the Israelites, the first 'celebration' of the Jewish Passover and their daring escape from Egyptian slavery through the miraculous parting of the Red Sea. Not anymore, unless you have the film in your personal library or subscribe to one of those premium "plus" services which happens to offer the film - if one can remember to look it up. (I did note that this classic was aired this past Saturday night, the beginning of Passover.) Now, in 2025, the observance of Christ's triumph over sin and death will compete with WrestleMania. All weekend long, from Thursday night through Sunday. Coincidence...not. Not that there isn't relative content out there. There has indeed been a resurgence of media well worth watching, spearheaded by The Chosen, now in its fifth season. It's premium stuff. You have to pay dearly to see it or wait months until it becomes more affordable. Even then, you have to have internet access in order to see it. A long way and a long time from the days Jesus' disciples were told that they received the Good News without cost, and were to spread the Gospel without cost.

Yes, we have drifted a bit - maybe a big bit - from things that remind us that there IS a God in heaven who is looking out for us and only asks that we acknowledge the same and help by looking out for others in return.

And not all the drifting happens at the hand of average Joes and Janes, nor is it the fault of would-be princes and kings - or even presidents who just can't wait to be king. A significant part of the drift is coming from a place one would least expect it.

The Church. More specifically, what I've been referring to as "The Church, Incorporated."

In recent posts to this blog, I expressed only a fragment of the sadness I'm seeing in myself and others. There was at first some faint glimmer of hope that somehow our prayers and petitions would reverse the decision to effectively scatter what remains of a faithful congregation whose faith is being put to the test, if it hasn't already been shattered.

One might think that, especially once that decision was announced, that somebody would address those faithful - and especially the paid staff and volunteers who interface with others in the course of their jobs or ministries - on the path that we are now forced onto. At the very least, to put what we're going through in the context of the weekly readings from Sacred Scripture. It's not happening. Those on the real inside have already taken other jobs elsewhere. If they're priests, they know their job itself is secure - even if they didn't know their next assignment, which they now have. No, the people in the pews - those who are still in them - are getting the same messages they would hear in any other year; those standard Lenten messages about repentance, fasting, almsgiving, conversion, and prayer, and the reminder that with Christ's Resurrection, all of our sins have already been vanquished. And yes, indeed they have been vanquished in Christ; what is conveniently forgotten is that Jesus never promised any of his followers an easy pass with no challenges. In fact, he indicated quite the opposite. Of his fourteen apostles, Judas took his own life. Matthias, his replacement, Paul the persecutor turned advocate, along with Peter and the rest were all martyred. All except John. He survived at least two attempts on his life and died in exile. One could claim he was martyred by the loneliness of being the last survivor of the original band of brothers. Challenges, indeed.

Speaking of challenges, since the beginning of 2025 i have gone from seeing two medical professionals and added three more. My primary care professional, upon seeing results from blood lab work to manage my diabetes, referred me to a nephrologist (kidney specialist) who has diagnosed me with stage 3a kidney disease. He notes that the PSA levels in my blood and urine samples are high, so he sends me to a urologist who runs another set of tests and tells me that I have cancer of the prostate, which is untreatable and incurable. He then wants to make sure that the cancer hasn't jumped the fence to other parts of my 70-year-old body, so he orders a PET scan, which I completed a few days ago. Two days later, I get a phone call from the urologist's office, and the medical support worker kindly tells me the results aren't good. The only thing I remember in the conversation after that was that I was being referred to an oncologist (cancer specialist) whom I have yet to see. Two days later, the scan results were posted to my online chart. It was vague, saying that anomalies were seen and that cancer in those areas weren't confirmed but couldn't be ruled out. That's what the oncologist will have to determine. An appointment has been set right after the Easter celebrations, celebrations that may be much more muted for me this year than those of 1994 and 2014. I must rise above all this if I even consider myself a faithful disciple.

I summoned up enough personal courage to ask to receive the Church's sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick (see my previous post), and it has offered me some hope. In the middle of everyone else seemingly checking out of reality, I know of people and at least one priest who cares and has acknowledged his personal thanks for my service to the Church. Note that this does NOT include two pastors who both seem to be caught up in the 'business' of The Church, Incorporated.

As part of 'da rules' which Catholics are supposed to observe, I need to get myself in to receive the sacrament of Reconciliation (aka Confession). And I so want to make sure I am right before God. But I know these rites can take time, and it seems that every time I know I want to do this, so do enough other people that there is a long line. Not hundreds, that would seem nearly miraculous - but even twenty is enough for me to respect those who are there and try to pick a time when I don't have to compete with others or the clock, especially with my son in tow. This time I don't know how to approach what my heart tells me I need to confess. I don't feel this belongs in the hands of a priest I don't frequently see; he might not understand where I'm coming from. I don't know if I feel comfortable with the two pastors I mention above; the one has basically removed himself from the reality of the situation of the merging of his parish, and the other knows The Church, Incorporated too well. I'm afraid I could turn repentance into an indictment since some of the remarks he made upon being transferred to my old home parish last summer indicate that he didn't want to be relocated. But for me, time is running out - and the clock is ticking, for how long is still God's knowledge and not mine - and it just needs to be done, end of story.

I consider myself blessed because there is this slight ray of hope plunging into the darkness around me, and I don't want to miss Holy Week services this year (as we were forced to in 2020 due to the COVID pandemic) because it seems almost certain that it will be the last I will celebrate in my current capacity. This time I may struggle to keep my composure while proclaiming the Resurrection of the Lord with the dignity and emotion this act deserves and demands. It has to count on so many levels, some of which are my own.

If you've read this far, dear friend, know that I thank you for your thoughts and prayers. It's all I ask for. At the moment, it's what I need most. Whatever God wants of me, may I be ready to give that to Him and that I might not walk this path completely alone. And with any blessing, I hope to be able to share that portion of the Good News with you.

Until we meet again, may God be with you...

+the Phoenix 

The Post: It's All Downhill From Here, Part 2

 Welcome, God and All...

I have had a few days to deliberate whether or not I should reflect here or make recent events more public knowledge. Many a scammer have been known to prey and capitalize on those suffering even the most seemingly trivial things. Still, there is the call of God to ask in order to receive, seek in order to find, and knock so that the door may be opened. 

In Part 1 I indicated that I would pray that God steady the momentum or the steepness of this journey down the mountain. So far, He has - but this ride is still close to the peak, and there may be many twists, turns, and steep drops coming that are as yet unseen. What I do know is I must rely on His grace more than perhaps I ever have; more than I perceived I would during all that happened and began eleven years ago today.

Most of Part 1 had to do with the decreed merging of the parish I've served for over twenty years. While something of a lifeline was added to the decree, I have since gained an understanding of what a "worship site" status is. According to Church law, a worship site is required to celebrate Mass only twice a year, usually on the feast day of its namesake and on the anniversary date of its consecration or opening. As I mentioned in that post, the worship site is maintained and staffed by the designated (in this case, other) parish church.

An appeal was sent to the diocesan bishop, which was our right under Church law. It was summarily denied. While the bishop indicated that the new entity should make efforts to keep a regular schedule of services at the worship site, it is completely up to the priest (as yet unnamed) who will become pastor of the newly merged parishes in July. Our next step in the process is to take our appeal to the appropriate dicastery (court, if you will) at the Vatican in Rome. It's happening as I write. We are still holding onto some hope as we await an answer.

Still, I believe our chances of having the diocesan bishop's decree overturned are slim. I am coming to believe that I see the end of this chapter in life ending soon; and not just because the odds don't appear to favor us. It also generally holds that those places designated as worship sites close within a year, simply because there are no priests available to staff them.

It seems like an eternity ago, but it's been three years since I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. It was strange hearing at the time, especially since I do not know of any history of diabetics in my family's medical history. I believe it's easier to develop diabetes because of the mass production of prepared foods designed to make life easier. I know this was one thing Diane tried to steer us away from before her own health issues got the better of her.

Because of this diagnosis, I am now seeing doctors on a consistent basis, to monitor my glucose levels and, as it's turning out, assessing what this is doing to the rest of my earthly body. I contracted diabetic retinopathy, requiring injections in my eyes periodically to prevent vision loss. I am also seeing a kidney specialist, who tells me as nicely as he knows how that my kidney functions are slowly failing and has prescribed further medication to help support them. On top of it all, recent blood tests have indicated trouble with my prostate. A further, more detailed test confirmed that I have prostate cancer. It's not treatable. It's not curable. I will undergo a procedure called a PET scan next week to determine if the cancer has spread to any other organs, particularly the pancreas or the liver, for if found there it can spread rapidly.

I have already let a few people know about my diagnosis, and I have prayed that God guide me through all this. As I indicated before, I intend to see some things through to their ultimate conclusion as God permits. I have asked others to pray for me, and I am asking you, dear reader, to do the same. It is about all I can ask for.

I intend to ask one of the priests I'm serving under that I wish to receive the Church's sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick. Note that this can be received as needed; it's not a one-time thing like 'last rites' would be (although there are many similarities). One does not have to have a priest come to a hospital to administer the sacrament; it can be done in the church if the recipient is able to get there and does not have a contagious disease. I also believe that a deacon can administer the basic form of this sacrament (with the exception of combining the sacrament of reconciliation within this rite). And yes, I know it may inconvenience somebody, but I want this enough to ignore that factor to the simplest degree possible. I will go to the mountain, since I am able to do it. But who to ask, and how to arrange it is where I am momentarily stuck. Your prayers are helping me here, so thank you in advance!

Eleven years ago, on my son's birthday, I came home to 'celebrate' the awful news that I had become unemployed, and my life's path was suddenly plunged into chaos and darkness that would take weeks to emerge from. I have asked God not to let these recent developments spoil my son's birthday this year, nor the celebrations of Holy Week and Easter, which are likely to be my last in my current situation. Only God knows what lies ahead. Again, Lord, I understand this to be a cross you have presented to me. I accept it as such and even embrace it to the best of my ability. Remain with me and do not let me become overwhelmed by all that surrounds me, except for the superabundant love you have always offered me.

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

+the Phoenix