Anticipation

     As a priest, one of the most challenging experiences is the move, the transfer from one parish to another.  Sometimes it is expected, sometimes it is welcomed, sometimes it is a total surprise and sometimes it is a disappointment.  I've lived through seven such experiences.  In my time and in our area there is no consultation or discussion with the man involved.  It is challenging, to say the least.

     From the time that you are told, through the time when it begins to sink in and you begin to wrap up and start saying good bye, to the time of your arrival and the start of a renewed ministry, there are a few quiet moments of reflection.  Those moments often have you reflecting upon who you are as a priest, the effect that you have had on people, the good accomplished in the past years, and a sadness upon leaving that behind.  But you also look ahead.  You've been given the stats, you have visited the place, you've been filled in on the situation, and ideas are beginning to form regarding the plan of action.

     It is a reflective time, a time of uncertainty and apprehension, with a desire to get started.

     This time between the Ascension of our Lord into Heaven and the coming of the Advocate at Pentecost is like that transition period.  The gang gathered in the quiet of the upper room for deep and intense prayer.  There was plenty of reflective thought.  Anticipation was building.  There was hesitancy mixed with the desire to get on to the task. They dwelt upon all that they had seen, had learned, had been told, had been instructed to do.  They wondered what this Paraclete would be like, what it would mean to their lives, and what would happen.  And then it happened ... the Spirit came upon them ... and we know the story.

     We too can use these days to reflect, renew, and recommit to the task given us by Jesus - to build and to be Church, to welcome all to the truth and life, to be Christ for others.  Come, Holy Spirit, renew the face of the earth.

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     I had the honor of welcoming into the family of God through Baptism little Jacob Mark Lenart, son of Jeff and Julie Lenart during the 11:00 am Mass.  Jacob was born May 20th - very tiny and very beautiful.  We celebrated his welcome with great joy.