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Daily Scripture

+ 7th Week of Easter

“Parting is such sweet sorrow.”

Readings: Acts 20:17-27 Psalm 68:10-11, 20-21 John 17:1-11

I am in the world no longer, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. [John 17:11]

Shakespeare ‘penned’ the phrase quoted above. I didn’t understand it as a student of Shakespeare in high school but I began to understand it when I waved goodbye to my family as I sailed off to Italy on September 21, 1963 for a three-year stretch in Rome. In fact, it has multiple meanings and applications that I appreciate now more than ever before.

There is another phrase that perhaps gives credence to my thoughts so poorly expressed and it’s this: “Absence makes the heart grow fonder.” Ah, that’s it. At times we need to separate from ‘the source’ in order to appreciate how important it is to stay connected.

The farewell speech of St. Paul in Acts and the farewell ‘prayer’ of Jesus in John’s gospel were more likely composed by the authors of these texts along the lines of the farewell speeches of great leaders of their times in order to attract the attention of Jesus’ followers.

The departure of Jesus and later that of Paul created ‘fallow’ time in the hearts of the neophyte believers that was absolutely necessary if they were to grasp the significance of Jesus’ message and the teachings of St. Paul.

We are once again in ‘fallow’ time as we prepare for Pentecost. It’s a time of discernment during which we are invited to ponder the words and deeds of Jesus so that in his absence, we may come to know his presence in the Spirit that remains within us and around us.

As we ponder, it is important to reflect on the gifts of the Holy Spirit: wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety and reverence of the Lord. And the fruits of the Holy Spirit are qualities that are characteristic of a community living in Christ: charity, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, generosity, gentleness, faithfulness, modesty self-control and chastity.

There is much to ponder as we wait for the coming of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost.

Daily Scripture

Thursday June 18, 2009

+ 11th Week in Ordinary Time

A little bit of foolishness is not a bad thing.

Readings: 2 Corinthians 11:1-11 Psalm 111:1-4, 7-8 Matthew 6:7-15

Sisters and brothers, if only you would put ups with a little foolishness from me! Please put up with me for I am jealous of you with the jealousy of God. [2 Cor 11:1]

But in praying, do not babble like the pagans, who think that they will be heard because of their many words. [Matt 6:7]

I have referred to Bishop Casey many times in these daily reflections. I was his priest secretary for several years. He was a diamond in the rough, to be sure, and I don’t know how he would have fared in the present state of disarray in the Church. He died on June 15, 1977 at the age of 75. He used to refer to himself as the ‘peasant bishop’ because he didn’t study in Rome and had no ‘significant’ academic degrees. Actually, he had no reason to add a lot of ‘letters’ to his official title and/or to his signature. He was quite secure with his identify and did not have to puff himself up.

He predicted on more than one occasion that after his death, we would revel in his many ‘quirks’ and pet phrases. He was a character. Many who knew him well could write a book about all his ‘quips’ and ‘quotes.’

At any rate, I recall one conversation during which we were musing about his public response to a particular issue and how it might impact on his public image. He said to me, “Ken, I don’t mind being a fool for Christ but I want to make sure I don’t look like a damn fool!” We chuckled and I added it to the list of ‘Casey-isms’ that will endure forever.

He was correct. There is a difference. He had tough skin and could humbly admit when he made a mistake or was wrong about one thing or another. He would simply say, “I blew it.” And then add, “but you’ve blown a few yourself!”

You bet I have.

But when it comes to the gospel, it’s worth the risk. Sometimes it takes a bit of foolishness to do the right thing. There are indeed times when we are called to be fools for Christ and there are many saints who have done the same—St. Francis not the least among them and Mother Teresa had her own ‘brand’ of foolishness.