"It is Time"

      Greetings!

    I have just rewatched the three films of the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy by Peter Jackson.  They are based on the epic adventure of that title by the author J.R.R.Tolkien.  Watching them in their extended versions was an epic adventure in itself, for each film runs over three and a half hours.  But as a Tolkien fan, well worth it.

    The outstanding tale is the task of destroying the One Ring of Power forged by the dark lord, Sauron, which seeks to give Sauron dominion over all of the realms of Middle earth.  A fellowship is established to accomplish this, the Ring is entrusted to the hobbit Frodo Baggins, who because of his innocence resists its destructive power.  Frodo succeeds, the Ring is destroyed, the rightful king is restored, and life continues - very short version.

    The story is told as the hobbits Bilbo & Frodo record their adventures.  Frodo finishes his part of "The Hobbits Tale" by Bilbo Baggins and "The Lord of the Rings" by Frodo Baggins and tells his friend and loyal companion, Sam, that there are a few pages left ... for him to tell the continued tale.

    When a time of departure takes place and Gandolf and the elves and Bilbo are about to set off into the sunset, Gandolf says to Frodo: "It is time, Frodo".  The other companions are distressed that Frodo is leaving, but he tells them it is time for him to move on, with deep sadness but real peace in his heart.  And life for the others continues.

    

    I began "Journey Thoughts" on March 11, 2011, the beginning of Lent.  My purpose was to share my journey through the gift of priesthood.  It has been nearly ten years, with 1,169 posts and recording over 169,507 pageviews.   In 2011 I posted 264 times, but this year there were only 24.  There are reasons and even some valid excuses for the change in activity, but as I have been reflecting of late, the phrase of Gandolf echoes in my mind - "It is time."  My journey has not ended, but in retirement (over three years now) it has taken a different momentum.  This year of the pandemic has changed many things about our lives and we are seeing things we have counted on coming to an end.  It is time for me to close the book on this endeavor ... with reluctance, deep regret, and sorrow.

    I have truly been blessed in these nine plus years and in my reflections shared on these pages.  Some of my High School classmates who have kept in touch have commented that one of our English profs, Father Bryant Halloran, O.S.B., would be very proud of this accomplishment.

    I am very grateful for all of those who have made my priesthood so far a wonderful experience of grace and favor  from the Lord.  For those responsible for the 169,000+ pageviews, thank you for your interest and patience.  May the Lord continue to watch over us, bring us safely out of this pandemic, and enrich our lives with his peace and joy.

    All endings should pave the way for new beginnings.  As Christmas and 2020 come to a close, may the New Year bring blessings in abundance.

One final note:

    As my recoding of my journey is coming to an end, the work of this Diocese of Greensburg continues with the announcement on the Friday before Christmas of Pope Francis' Christmas gift to us of a new bishop.  One of our own, Monsignor Larry Kulick, will be ordained in February and serve as our shepherd.  My prayers are with him ... and I ask you to remember him and this local Church in your prayers.  We have challenging, but prayerfully better days, ahead.

    God bless you all!