I am not reluctant at all to tell people that I do not engage much in the social media tools of twitter, Facebook or other ways to "be out there" with pictures and messages that speak about me or convey messages or opinions for others to see. That does not mean, of course, that I reject the social media opportunities that are available to those who use them. I know of various priests and our bishop who post their weekend homilies for people to see. The Arkansas Catholic published an article talking about our newest priests and their use of social media which I'm sure includes "announcing the Gospel of the Lord." The article speaks of how their use of social media is potentially attractive to the youngest generation of believers. While, I agree, this can be a good thing, I fear that we are losing the personal, face to face encounters that engage the whole senses and allows us to read expressions and respond to people and they to us according to and respecting their and our "body language" which is so important to meaningful human encounters. Personally, I can't imagine Jesus using "social media" that much if at all if he lived in our times. He was all about engaging and converting people through his words of wisdom and caring demeanor. I am not saying that I am closed to the use of social media in my future life and ministry, but I feel good and blessed to spend much of my time "going to people" in their time of need and witnessing the love of God that is present and powerfuly working in so many people of faith.
All Saints Day (November 1) is the first of 4 Solemnities that are celebrated in the Church over a two month period. The others are the Immaculate Conception of Mary (December 8), The Nativity of the Lord (December 25), and Mary the Mother of God (January 1). I will speak on the importance of these Solemnities in the life of a Catholic, in a future pastor's column and the obligation the Church puts on Catholics to participate for these Solemnities.
In this column I would like to tell you about a recent experience of mine that strengthened my faith in the intercessory power of the saints, both those who are in heaven and the "Holy Ones" here on earth. As I faced the first surgery of my life (a repair of an inguinal hernia), I must admit I did not know what to expect in the time immediately preceding the surgery (which took place on August 30 in Hot Springs). I know in the days leading up to the surgery, I asked in prayer for the help of the saints, especially the Blessed Mother and St. Padre Pio. I also asked some "Holy Ones" on earth to pray for me which included our Prayer Warriors, my family (which many of you know is large in number), friends, and the Sisters at McCauley Convent in Ft. Smith. I also turned to my loved ones who have gone before me "marked with the sign of faith to intercede for me. On the morning of the surgery I had set my alarm for 5:30 a.m., however, I work up earlier than that and looked at my smart phone to see that it was 4:17 a.m. That particular time has meaning to me because of one of my grandmother's of happy memory (1988). My mother's mother told me, when she was still physically with us, that she woke up every morning at 4:17 a.m. On the day of my surgery, I took my time waking up time as a heavenly reminder that my grandmother and other deceased relatives were praying for me before my surgery. As I was being prepped for surgery, a nurse commented that unlike so many, I seemed very calm. Looking back on it, I can truly say that my confidence in all those "Holy Ones" who were praying for me gave me peace as I prepared to "go under the knife" for the first time.
The surgery went well and the road to full recovery has gone smoothly so far, thanks be to God. I invite all of us to reflect on the power of intercessory prayer and what it can mean for the person for whom it is offered, especially the "peace of Lord" which can make all the difference in the world to those who are recipients of that gift.
In this column I would like to tell you about a recent experience of mine that strengthened my faith in the intercessory power of the saints, both those who are in heaven and the "Holy Ones" here on earth. As I faced the first surgery of my life (a repair of an inguinal hernia), I must admit I did not know what to expect in the time immediately preceding the surgery (which took place on August 30 in Hot Springs). I know in the days leading up to the surgery, I asked in prayer for the help of the saints, especially the Blessed Mother and St. Padre Pio. I also asked some "Holy Ones" on earth to pray for me which included our Prayer Warriors, my family (which many of you know is large in number), friends, and the Sisters at McCauley Convent in Ft. Smith. I also turned to my loved ones who have gone before me "marked with the sign of faith to intercede for me. On the morning of the surgery I had set my alarm for 5:30 a.m., however, I work up earlier than that and looked at my smart phone to see that it was 4:17 a.m. That particular time has meaning to me because of one of my grandmother's of happy memory (1988). My mother's mother told me, when she was still physically with us, that she woke up every morning at 4:17 a.m. On the day of my surgery, I took my time waking up time as a heavenly reminder that my grandmother and other deceased relatives were praying for me before my surgery. As I was being prepped for surgery, a nurse commented that unlike so many, I seemed very calm. Looking back on it, I can truly say that my confidence in all those "Holy Ones" who were praying for me gave me peace as I prepared to "go under the knife" for the first time.
The surgery went well and the road to full recovery has gone smoothly so far, thanks be to God. I invite all of us to reflect on the power of intercessory prayer and what it can mean for the person for whom it is offered, especially the "peace of Lord" which can make all the difference in the world to those who are recipients of that gift.
Growing up in a family with 8 other siblings, I can attest to the fact that we all lived in a "disciplined" environment. That meant, among other things, there was a certain order in our weekly routine that everyone was expected to follow. Whenever any of us strayed from the "right" path, there was a repercussion which might mean a punishment to stress to the violator and the rest of the chilren that we need to "stay in line," if our lives were to be orderly and fruitful and NOT chaotic and fruitless.
The author of Hebrews last weekend (Heb. 12:5-7, 11-13) wrote of the importance of "discipline" in one's life as a Christian. The Greek word, paideia refers to the education of a child in every sphere: intellectual, religious, social and physical. Growth to maturity includes chastening and correcting AND sometimes punishment for misdeeds.
In light of the sexual abuse scandal and the recent revelations that involve bishops and their handling (or rather mishandling) of situations of abuse of minors, perhaps it is good (and maybe needed) to see much of what has happened as discipline from the Lord that is serving to punish those who have caused harm to young people and our church has come up with new safeguards to make sure our episcopal leaders are resposible and accountable when it comes to acting quickly and seriously when there are allegations of abuse. The new safeguards and safe environment training of clergy and lay people which has been in place for 20 years assures a "discipline" when it comes to striving to keep our children safe and away from ANYONE who might want to do harm.
The author of Hebrews last weekend (Heb. 12:5-7, 11-13) wrote of the importance of "discipline" in one's life as a Christian. The Greek word, paideia refers to the education of a child in every sphere: intellectual, religious, social and physical. Growth to maturity includes chastening and correcting AND sometimes punishment for misdeeds.
In light of the sexual abuse scandal and the recent revelations that involve bishops and their handling (or rather mishandling) of situations of abuse of minors, perhaps it is good (and maybe needed) to see much of what has happened as discipline from the Lord that is serving to punish those who have caused harm to young people and our church has come up with new safeguards to make sure our episcopal leaders are resposible and accountable when it comes to acting quickly and seriously when there are allegations of abuse. The new safeguards and safe environment training of clergy and lay people which has been in place for 20 years assures a "discipline" when it comes to striving to keep our children safe and away from ANYONE who might want to do harm.