What if ...?

     Not too many months ago the Board of Trust Administrators of Queen of Angels Regional Catholic School (the board of pastors), on which I serve, met to discuss the future of our seventh and eighth grades in the program.  We did this in response to the diocesan move to create a Junior High level program at Greensburg Central Catholic High School, a move that I have yet to comprehend the wisdom of.  This new Junior High would theoretically draw new students into the Catholic School system, but in reality takes students already attending Catholic Schools from other local and regional programs.  It has had a great impact upon our struggling programs.

     We were determined to keep open the 7th & 8th grades, but with enrollment being a major factor.  Economically but even more importantly on an educational basis, we felt that there must be "at least" fifteen in each grade to continue.  But then came the questions ... what if there were only 14? ... what if there were only 12? ... what if there were only 10?.  Would we stay open?  It is a struggle, to commit to the program as well as to face the reality of the situation. [ps  We agreed to give a little, with at this time 13 in one grade and 14 in the other - for the sake of the total program.]

     In this morning's reading from Genesis, we find Abraham bargaining with God regarding the destruction of Sodom.  The Lord set a limit: if there can be found fifty innocent people, I will spare the place.  And Abraham begins ... What if there were five less? ... What if there there were forty?  What if ...?

     When they came to ten, and God agreed to the request, God disappeared quickly - for Abraham was pushing his luck.  There are limits.  And yet, we can approach the Lord and we can present our case, and we can be assured that he has the very best in store for us.  We may not always get what we want, but we do get what is best from the God who loves us.

     I was reminded of our school meeting as I listened to today's reading.

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     Following this morning's Mass I celebrated the funeral liturgies for two parishioners - Irene Bernardo (90) at 10 am and Edward Napolitano (96) at 2 pm.  Both lived life fully and shared a great joy with their families.  May they rest in peace.