Word to the Wise
Saturday, February 6, 2010 - St. Paul Miki SJ and Companions, Martyrs
[1 Kings 3:4-13 and Mark 6:30-34]I serve you in the midst of the people whom you have chosen, a people so vast that it cannot be numbered or counted. Give your servant, therefore, an understanding heart to judge your people and to distinguish right from wrong. For who is able to govern this vast people of yours? [1 Kings] 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. So they went off in the boat by themselves to a deserted place.
Both scriptures for today present the picture of numbers and resources! Solomon prays for an understanding heart so as to meet the needs of his people. Jesus tells the disciples that they need time apart by themselves if they're going to be able to survive the challenges and demands of ministry. Since I am in the ministry of preaching retreats to priests and deacons (and spouses), I remind them and myself of the wisdom we need to meet the needs of parishioners. Part of that wisdom is to make not only the "annual retreat" but to take time apart on a regular basis and pray for wisdom! These realities come home to me in Texas when I go to a parish with a large Hispanic population. The liturgies in Spanish are filled to overflowing. The Sacrament of Reconciliation for children in the Religious Education program features hundreds of persons. I have served as a pastor in San Antonio and help out now at parishes in Austin when I'm not on the road. The future of the church in the United States is like something from the early 20th century when it was an "immigrant church." That future is already alive in Texas, but I even saw it in my time in Kentucky the past four years. This impacts not just priests and deacons, but all who serve in ministry and folks in the pews. The Anglo-Irish-North European church is being reshaped in the USA. We [all of us] need wisdom to welcome and serve the new members as well as be "reshaped" ourselves. Taking time off on a regular basis to "recoup" is Jesus' recommendation! I know I find it helpful! AMEN
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