There are two significant matters on my mind and in my heart as I prepare this for you today. The first I mentioned briefly last week. This matter is my retreat, for which I will leave the parish on Sunday afternoon and be at Holy Family Monastery in West Hartford, CT. While it is of great importance that a priest be attentive to his spiritual life at all times and in all circumstances, the life of a vibrant parish, and in my case the work of a busy regional hospital, can offer as much distraction from that focus as they offer the food for prayer and spiritual reflection. I look forward greatly to this opportunity not to be away from you but to be with you in the distinct way that a retreat offers. I would like to ask that you hold me in prayer during the week coming so that I can return to you refreshed and renewed in the wondrous Power of God’s own Spirit!
Second, while I haven’t had a chance before writing this note for publication to consult with the full Parish Council, consensus is that we might serve the parish well by holding a “Listening Session” in the parish concerning the most recent wave of public reporting about clergy sexual abuse cases. I have heard the hurt, anger and frustration in conversations. I could say that that is enough, but I don’t think it is. I don’t want to poke the tiger in the eye, but I feel this matter affect us, whether such abuse has occurred within our own lives or is a matter that confronts us in whatever medium we use to know the news of the day. “Test of Faith” said a recent front-page caption.
In today’s Gospel we hear that while the disciples of Jesus are arguing about who will be the cream that rises to the top Jesus himself is trying to prepare them for the devastating effects to come: the shame, the anguish, and finally the death upon his cross that will accomplish our salvation. It is not to a red carpet for spiritual VIP’s that they are called, but to a place where true substance causes us and empowers us to be with the shame, the anguish, and even the dying that come. After consulting the Parish Council, we will announce a date and time for this “Listening Session.” If anyone is struggling greatly with this issue, please contact the Parish Office so we can connect you with the resource person who might best be of help to you.
Fr. Tom