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Pastor's Message
Sept 27
HAWKEYES
A lone hawk was silhouetted in a tree along the side of the road. It sat quietly on a barren branch and observed every movement taking place around it. Its stillness captured my imagination.
What was the hawk seeing? Maybe it was searching for a field mouse that was not-so-cautiously venturing forth. But what else did it see? Did it care about the cars on the road? Did it feel the warmth of the sunshine or notice the leaves changing for fall?
It is an art to be able to observe the world around us. Seeing signs of life in trees and flowers, hearing the birds sing, or feeling the gentleness of the wind at our backs are ways that we can become more in tune with the planet we live on. That, of course, will make us more human.
Signs of life are everywhere. All we have to do is to start noticing them. Like the hawk we must have our eyes open.
- Fr. Herb
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WHY?
September 20, 1998
We've all heard the old query asking why the chicken crossed the road. At this time of year I am more concerned aabout why caterpillars try to cross the road.
While driving on a country road last week, I found myself swerving the car to avoid a plump woolly bear caterpillar as it made its way across the pavement. It seems that the ideal places for spinning cocoons are always found on the other side of the road.
Sometimes we have to travel to get to what we truly want. And those journeys can be filled with peril. I know that I did my best not to hit that caterpillar with my car, but I doubt that all other motorists would do the same.
Our travels often require risks of us, too. A journey of faith is the same. If a person is too comfortable and unchallenged in his/her faith, maybe it is time to move on a bit. Perhaps now is the time to cross the road and venture out. RENEW 2000 may be just what is needed to get that faith motivated and active again. Joining a group that meets for six weeks can be exciting and rejuvenating. But it will require a small risk, one of stepping out of one's comfort zone.
Why? Why not!
- Fr. Herb
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September 13, 1998
"DUMMIES" AND "IDIOTS"
Recently visiting a local book store, I realized how many books are now available for dummies and idiots. At least, that's what the titles call them. There must be dozens of titles in the "dummies" series, like INTERNET FOR DUMMIES. What was new for me was to see the similar series for "idiots" like "THE COMPLETE IDIOT'S GUIDE TO BACKGAMMON."
One part of me resents these titles because I don't like being called, or choose to call others, dummies or idiots. Nonetheless, these books are becoming wildly popular for their clear and direct explanation of what can be very complex. Apparently, folks accept the epithets in exchange for the information that they want.
No, I don't like using these derogatory terms. Nonetheless, it is good for people to admit those times and instances when they do not know something. An admission of ignorance is often the beginning of real growth.
Spiritually, we don't have all the answers. (No, I am not in the process of writing SPIRITUALITY FOR DUMMIES.) What we need to do is to admit that there is much about God and our faith that we don't understand, but we are willing to keep on learning.
- Fr. Herb
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September 6, 1998
WHAT DO YOU FEAR?
Most folks have certain fears. Some are afraid of snakes or spiders. Others fear the dark or high places. There are those who become petrified at speaking in public while others refuse to go on a roller coaster or fly in a plane.
Fears are part of life, but fear of God should not be one of those. In reviewing the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit, we come to the seventh, which traditionally has been stated as "Fear of the Lord." Yet it is not fear in the same sense as other fears.
In the Confirmation rite that the Bishop uses, all seven gifts are listed in the prayer of consecration. In that setting this gift is referred to as the "spirit of wonder and awe" in God's presence. Instead of being AFRAID of God, we are to be in wonder at God's awesomeness!
I don't think loving parents ever want their children to be afraid of them. God does not want that of us either. But it is a true gift of the Holy Spirit to have a child-like amazement before God, who is majesty and splendor and great and all-wise and ever-caring.
As the song, says, "Be not afraid."
- Fr. Herb
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