Word to the Wise
Friday, October 31, 2008 - Friday in the Thirtieth Week in Ordinary Time
[Philippians 1:1-11 and Luke 14:1-6]I give thanks to my God at every remembrance of you, praying always with joy in my every prayer for all of you, because of your partnership for the Gospel from the first day until now. I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work in you will continue to complete it until the day of Christ Jesus. It is right that I should think this way about all of you, because I hold you in my heart, you who are all partners with me in grace.......
These opening words of St. Paul's Letter to the Philippians always bring a "lump" to my throat. I put them on a souvenir card when I celebrated my 25th anniversary of ordination to the priesthood (1971-1996), and I'll probably do it again. The words are a reminder to me that I could not preach or do any kind of ministry without the help of those whom I serve! My father taught me that one of the worst sins is ingratitude. My efforts in preaching this way online every day are in a way an expression of gratitude because I would not be able to preach at all if there were not patient listeners (readers!). I cannot compare my situation to St. Paul's, however. He wrote this letter from prison! I live in the beautiful hills of central Kentucky! But no mtter where I live, I am grateful that I am able to preach whether from this keyboard or from a pulpit or retreat podium somewhere. Thank you for making it possible. AMEN