“Never let us fall asleep in a state of sin, lest the prince of wickedness gain power over us and snatch us away from the kingdom of the Lord.” -A Letter attributed to Barnabas
Life is Like the Tide, it Comes in and Washes Away
For over 2 decades, I have had a standing invitation to eat Sunday dinner at longtime neighbor Vince Fera’s family home on Allender Avenue in Greentree. It is always an enjoyable time, and my most recent visit was no exception. They had just arrived back from their traditional yearly vacation in Hilton Head, SC. and were browner than bears! They recounted the events of their trip and the church they visited for Mass, which was Holy Family Church. Before Mass, the congregation prays the Angelus:
V. The angel of the Lord declared unto Mary.
R. And she conceived by the Holy Spirit. Hail Mary…
V. Behold, the handmaid of the Lord.
R. Be it done to me according to your word. Hail Mary…
V. And the word was made flesh.
R. And dwelled among us. Hail Mary…
V. Pray for us, O most holy Mother of God.
R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
Let us pray: “Pour forth, we beseech you, O Lord, your grace into our hearts; that we, to whom the Incarnation of Christ, your Son, was made known by the message of an angel, may by His passion and cross, be brought to the glory of His resurrection; through the same Christ, our Lord. Amen.”
In addition to the Angelus, the congregation also prayed a prayer for vocations.
Prayer for Vocations:
Praise to you, loving God, for we are always in your hand.
You know us, and so we live. You call us, and so we are your people.
Remember, Lord, your Church. Guide it as it continues in our world the saving work of Jesus, your Son.
Give us more priests and deacons, religious sisters and brothers and lay ministers, who will powerfully proclaim the Gospel in word and deed.
Prepare them to be good and generous servants, so that they may deepen your people’s faith through their ministry. Empower them to be a source of greater hope and love in the Body of Christ.
All glory and honor be yours, Giver of all good gifts,
through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.-Michael Kwatera, O.S.B.
The Fera family was impressed with the two priests who serve that church community, and who were so welcoming to vacationers: the Pastor (who was from the Philippines), Rev. Arturo O. Dalupang and Parochial Vicar, Rev. Jorge Gallo (a Latino priest.) Their homilies were full of sound messages, which were relevant to those in the pew. The family also showed me pictures on their iPad, taken during the vacation. The little ones spent all day building sand castles on the beach, while the older children played paddle ball. They enjoyed dinners in restaurants with a tropical atmosphere, enjoying fresh seafood from the area, and commented that Hilton Head was not over-crowded, for which they were grateful. This yearly tradition forges new and precious memories.
Through all the storytelling and lively exchanges, their 85 year old great aunt, whose name intrigued me, “Rose Abraham,” sat listening. She is visiting the Fera family for the summer from Highpoint, NC, and she remained at home during this vacation. She told me the story of her husband, James who, in 2002, at the age of 78, passed away unexpectedly of a heart attack in the middle of the night. With tears welling up in her eyes and rolling down her face, she said. “It may have been 11 years ago, but Father, it seems like only yesterday to me.” Her story was one of life and death, of faith and hope.
In the midst of our summer plans, events, vacations, activities, and visits, the Scripture readings remind us to be vigilant, alert and prepared, conscious of the brevity of this life. (Luke 12:32-48) Jesus gives us a sobering “wake-up call,” cautioning us to be watchful and ready. Sometimes the routine and the ordinariness of life can dull us into thinking that we will be here forever and no accountability is required. What a fatal mistake that can be!
Whatever God has given and entrusted us with, it is not just for ourselves, but for the extension of the creation of God’s Kingdom in our time and place. Faithful servants will use whatever God has given them to extend His reign of hope, truth, justice, peace and love into the world. In each of our walks of life, God calls us to responsible stewardship based on the duties He’s entrusted us to fulfill, out of love for Him. We are each called to be humble servants and not to lose perspective of the supernatural outlook we all must have. Evil never sleeps. It is always on the prowl. Jesus encourages us to be vigilant, as the enemy never rests!
One must be faithful in small things, or else negligence and carelessness can creep in through the cracks. It is during those ordinary times, that being faithful in the small and everydayness of life, through responsibilities, obligations and duties, that faith is most vital and necessary. A couple rang my doorbell on Saturday morning at 8:00 am. They asked, “Father, where is the Pre-Cana instruction class being held? Where is everyone?” I remarked that they were 3 weeks early, to which the woman replied, “I’m just so excited about my upcoming marriage and can’t wait for the special day to come!” A patient who spent time recently in a hospital told me that she was grateful for the compassion given by a nurse; a Eucharistic Minister, who comes to the tabernacle each Sunday with her pyx, to bring Communion to the shut-ins and homebound, who tells me that she is grateful that God has given her the gift to be able to be present to others in their time of need.
There is an inspirational book entitled, “Every Day Greatness, Insights and Commentary” by Stephen R. Covey, and compiled by David K. Hatch (2006, Rutledge Hill Press). It is made up of 63 inspiring stories and hundreds of quotes about people who make a daily choice to act: the choice of purpose, the choice of principles; to live out their potential for true greatness, despite any challenges they may face. This higher calling to everyday greatness is a way of living and has to do with character and integrity. It’s more about who a person is, rather than what a person has or does.
When I dine at the Fera’s table, I can’t but be reminded of their mother, Deanna, who was called home to God on December 5, 2004. She was always prepared and ready for any situation, even when my dad passed away (February 8, 1986). Despite the 11 inches of snow that had fallen on that morning, she was the first person in church, praying for her neighbor.
Life and death are forever wedded together. May we be humble servants, seeking the good in others, and one day hoping to find our own place of honor at the Master’s Table, the Banquet in the Kingdom of Heaven!
