Word to the Wise
Saturday, February 3, 2007 - Fourth Saturday in Ordinary Time [St. Blaise]
[Hebrews 13:15-17, 20-21 and Mark 6:30-34]The Apostles gathered together with Jesus and reported all they had done and taught. He said to them, "Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest awhile. " People were coming and going in great numbers, and they had no opportunity even to eat.....
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2007 FOURTH SATURDAY IN ORDINARY TIME [ ALSO ST. BLAISE] [Hebrews 13:15-17, 20-21 and Mark 6:30-34] The Apostles gathered together with Jesus and reported all they had done and taught. He said to them, "Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while." People were coming and going in great numbers, and they had no opportunity even to eat..... One of my ministries is to preach retreats for priests. I can tell you that it is a profound experience. While everyone has their "horror story" about a particular pastor, my experience of priests at these retreats is one of great edification. Most of them are parish priests, and since I have been a pastor I can identify with the challenges they face. My image of the parish priest is one of a person tied to a chair in front of a TV and everyone else has a remote! Just look at the gospel scripture for today. No doubt about it, the Apostles exprienced some success in their first efforts. They are also paying the price for it. People come looking for them in such numbers that they don't even have time to eat! This is not just their experience, but it is also Jesus' experience! Like many persons who must be active, pastors will ignore ordinary needs for rest and health care. The results are often serious. At least they are required by canon law to make a retreat. That's how I get the opportunity to minister to them. If you want to surprise your parish priest, ask him when he last had an appointment for a general checkup. Did he make his retreat yet? If he seems somewhat uncomfortable with the questions, just tell him that he is a valuable resource and you want to make sure he stays valuable! But don't do it while he;s trying to bless your throat today! AMEN
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