“All progress has resulted from people who took unpopular positions.”
- Adeline Stevenson, American Diplomat and Politician (1900-1965)
Be kind to everyone you meet, for you do not know the burden that they carry. In Webster's dictionary, it defines burden as “anything that is carried; load; to bear or put up with; heavy load, as of work, duty, responsibility or sorrow; burdensome, heavy oppressive, hard to bear.”
Many times people will say, “Father, I don’t want to bother you with my request” (meaning “add one more thing to your plate, add one more burden to your back.”) I simply remind them that I was ordained to be burdened, to help share their crosses, problems and sorrows.
Burdens come in all shapes and sizes. Some are big, small, everyday or unforeseen. But burdens have a tremendous effect on our personal well-being and how we relate to others. What are your burdens? For some it may be the burden of the battle of the bulge. To stick to and stay on a diet to trim the waist-line. Some carry the burden of parenting that lasts a lifetime and especially those who have the added burden as a single parent. The burden of a false accusation that has tarnished a name or reputation. The burden of loneliness, where one feels no accompaniment or presence. The burden of grief, as one carries a loss. The burden of guilt, that one carries through regret, shame, and sorrow for one's sins. The burden of secrecy where one is not able to disclose freely their hardship. The burden of unemployment and the emptiness of this aching feeling. The burden of illness, old age and infirmity. The burden of financial debts. The burden that comes with responsibility of office.
It is sometimes said that the fastest growing disease in 21st century America is stress. Because we are human and limited, there is only a certain amount of stress that we can endure. Jesus gently and masterfully reminds us and invites us simply to, “Come to me, all who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves. For my yoke is easy and my burden light” (Matthew 11: 28-30).
As a priest, it is a humble privilege to serve as pastor. However, there is a price to pay, like any vocation. The priesthood is not about power or prestige. It is not an office or an occupation. It is a sacrament. And it is a response to God to serve souls. Namely, to be another Christ, as His voice and His hands and His heart.
It was a great joy to be away for continuing education last week at Bon Secours, meaning “good wellness” or “health,” in Marriottsville, MD (about 250 miles from Pittsburgh). There were ten of us present for the week. We listened to such gifted speakers as Dr. Robert J. Wicks, Fr. Jan Michael Joncas, Fr. Joseph Fox, OP and Fr. Dan Crosby, OFM Cap. I met a priest, 51 years of age, from Philadelphia who was diagnosed in 2006 with pancreatic cancer. He had whipple surgery. After breakfast, I thought he was taking his eyeglass case out, only to realize it was his pill box holding the 48 pills he takes daily to stay alive. All of the organs of his body have been reconfigured. He is grateful to be alive despite the weight of his tiredness and challenge of his terminal illness. I spoke with a deacon, 70 years of age, who noted that he had 3 children — a son who was a doctor, another son, a lawyer and his daughter, a superintendent of a school district. He said, “Don’t let that external success fool you. Please keep them in your prayers, as they have their own problems and burdens.”
In ancient times a carpenter made a yoke — a wooden bar or frame over the necks of two animals which allowed them to walk side by side and plow a field. The device changes independence into dependence. The animals depend upon each other to save their own neck. And if one animal balks or runs ahead or sideways, both of them get a stiff neck. They have to carry the weight together. And the yoke must be easy and well-fitted with the correct measurements, adjustments and the right approach. The carpenter must make this tailor-made, custom-made for the animals. If it is not properly fitted, it quickly leads to chaffing, irritation, abrasions, lesions, and can cause ulcers, can cripple and even kill the animal.
As a pastor, the parish is yoked by all the wonderful people who support, sacrifice and help carry the good works of the Church so that they continue. Recently with the crushing change in our parish of the closure of our school, an in-depth consultation with diocesan officials and financial counsel of the parish, it became apparent that we had to shift the weight to carry the freight in order to pay for it. Preaching the Gospel, celebrating the sacraments and visiting the sick is what I was ordained for. However, administration of the business and the management is necessary for stability. Unfortunately, we had to trim the budget to balance the budget and that meant the loss of some devoted and committed personnel.
Our relationship with God must be our top priority. On July 1, also the Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, a parishioner handed me a book on the visions and promises of St. Margaret Mary Alacoque ("Seemingly Impossible...But True! The Nine First Fridays" by Father Gnarocas). What a refreshing gift it was as I sought and prayed for Jesus' Heart in this most difficult time in our parish life. We must admit that we are all capable of great generosity and down-right mean-spiritedness. It is critical that when our spiritual life is strong, our attitudes toward others are meek, gentle and humble. When our inner life feels nourished, our hearts are open to other people's pain. President Harry S. Truman, 33rd president, said he could sleep at night despite the pressures of his office. “Lord, I’ve done the best I could today. You take over from here.” Or St. Thomas More wrote, “If I am in need of light and prudence in order to discharge my burdensome duties, I draw near to my Savior.” As we celebrated this 235 anniversary as a nation on Independence Day, we celebrated our 120th year of St. Joseph Parish. May we who have been given this torch of faith and freedom, pass to the next generation. May it never go out.
