Dear Fellow Parishioners, At 7:30 am each Saturday morning, 28 men gather by Zoom for 30 minutes to participate in the “That Man is You” sessions. One of the two questions we discussed in our small groups has stayed with me since then. “What is the best prayer you ever uttered to God?” Well, I also had thought about that before we gathered and it is a prayer I pray everyday before I work on my homilies (about 2 hours a day) “Lord, what do you want me to say, and what do your people need to hear? I am available!” It is the best and I must say the most dangerous prayer I utter every day! My roll in preparing to preach is to pray over the Word of God (The good news) and share how God’s word is alive and speaking to the events of today, both good and bad, happening in our world.
How good it is for our Saturday gatherings to have a group of men sharing their faith journey, and how we are addressing the issues of our lives today and more importantly during a pandemic, when so many are feeling isolated. Conversations with each other are so very important. Often, we only talk to those who have the same positions as we do. It is so healthy when we can talk to such a diverse group of individuals.
Sunday after Mass three of us had a lively exchange regarding Jesus cleansing the Temple. Our Country is splintered with different opinions and perspectives.. How important is to talk and LISTEN to one another. What I am obliged to share is the biblical perspective. What does God say about today’s issues? I am so pleased when people come forward and want to hash out the Word of God from another perspective. How good it is when people feel comfortable to approach “the Pastor” and want to challenge or go deeper. That is a sign of respect and how good it is when the seeds planted are falling on good soil, desirous of wanting the word of God to grow and flourish.
I am so happy to be journeying with the “That Man is You” men each week. We need to talk about the things that really matter. It is never too late to jump in. If you would like to join us, please contact Ernie Chaplin and he will send you the link. Fr. Bill