Several of you have asked how my retreat was, and I thought it was really a great time of prayer and insight into two very important signs of the current time: climate change, and diminishment of the church. Part of the diminishment of the church is aging clergy. Our retreat director, who is 86 years old shared a wonderful prayer that is filled with both wisdom and humor. It is “A Seventeenth Century Nuns Prayer” and sounds like it could have been written today! I have now started to pray it daily.
“Lord, You know me better than I know myself that I am growing older and will someday be old. Keep me from the fatal habit of thinking I must say something on every subject, and on every occasion. Release me from craving to straighten out everybody's affairs. Make me thoughtful but not moody; helpful but not bossy. With my vast store of wisdom, it seems a pity not to use it all, but you know Lord that I want a few friends at the end.
Keep my mind free from the recital of endless details; give me wings to get to that point. Seal my lips on my aches and pains. They are increasing, and love of rehearsing them is becoming sweeter as the years go by. I dare not ask for grace enough to enjoy the tales of others' pains, but help me to endure them with patience. I dare not ask for improved memory, but for a growing humility and a lessening cocksureness when my memory seems to clash with the memories of others. Teach me the glorious lesson that occasionally I may be mistaken. Keep me reasonably sweet; I do not want to be a Saint-some of them are so hard to live with- but a sour old person is one of the crowning works of the devil. Give me the ability to see good
things in unexpected places, and talents in unexpected people. And, give me, O Lord, the grace to tell them so. Amen.”
I thank all of you for your prayers for me and the other 32 priests from our diocese that were on retreat last week. You will reap more fruits from my experience in future homilies and letters. As we celebrate Memorial Day, I invite you all to join us in praying for those who have died in service of our country as we gather at 7:30 for Mass followed by the parade beginning at 8:30 A.M. on Monday May 28
th.