Pastor's Message

March 28, 1999

PARTICIPATION

Spring brings puddles and small lakes of water. Melting snow from last week provided many little ponds right where people normally like to walk. I couldn’t help but notice the enthusiasm with which some grade school children tromped through those newly-formed pools. Equipped with boots (some of them) and oblivious to passers-by, they didn’t miss an opportunity for a good spatter, splatter, or splash!

I recall that when I was a youngster, I, too, would step off the “high and dry” to the “wet and sloppy” for the sheer fun of it. In my adult years, however, I have learned to maneuver carefully around puddles and pitfalls.

I’m not sure that parents are happy at seeing the condition of their kids’ clothes when they come in after their adventures. Yet kids perhaps know something we adults have forgotten. Instead of passing by natural little obstacles, they choose to jump right in. Theirs is an experience of participation, not mere observation.

Both in life in general and in Christianity, we occasionally need to be reminded to participate instead of cautiously standing by like spectators. We may get wet and we may get dirty, but the adventure will be worth it.

- Fr. Herb

Pastor's Message March 28, 1999 PARTICIPATION Spring brings puddles and small lakes of water. Melting snow from last week provided many little ponds right where people normally like to walk. I couldn’t help but notice the enthusiasm with which some grade school children tromped through those newly-formed pools. Equipped with boots (some of them) and oblivious to passers-by, they didn’t miss an opportunity for a good spatter, splatter, or splash! I recall that when I was a youngster, I, too, would step off the “high and dry” to the “wet and sloppy” for the sheer fun of it. In my adult years, however, I have learned to maneuver carefully around puddles and pitfalls. I’m not sure that parents are happy at seeing the condition of their kids’ clothes when they come in after their adventures. Yet kids perhaps know something we adults have forgotten. Instead of passing by natural little obstacles, they choose to jump right in. Theirs is an experience of participation, not mere observation. Both in life in general and in Christianity, we occasionally need to be reminded to participate instead of cautiously standing by like spectators. We may get wet and we may get dirty, but the adventure will be worth it. - Fr. Herb
March 21, 1999 HIDING FROM REALITY I was talking to a family with a two-year-old child. For some reason the little girl was very shy that day. Consequently, as I tried to address her, she hid behind her mother, not wanting me to see her face. Hiding is a favorite pastime for children. They even have a game of hide-and-seek. Of course, they usually want to be found. As adults we don’t play those games. Or do we? Actually, many adults still hide. They try to be invisible to annoying neighbors who may call on them. They want to be “not home” when solicitations are made. They even hide their real selves from others fearing that if someone knew what they are really like, they would surely reject them. We sometimes hide ourselves from the truth as well. There are hard truths and difficult problems facing us, our community, and our world. We can’t pretend those things don’t exist. That would be like hiding our faces so that we don’t have to see or be seen. As Christians we have to take an honest look at the world we live in, seeing the bad as well as the good. Then, rather than hiding from what we see, we face it head-on and see how we can work to make it better. - Fr. Herb
March 14, 1999 AN INVITING SIGN Each time I drive to my sister’s house, I pass a sign that reads, “STOP HATE; TEACH TOLERANCE.” Since I am usually alone in the car, I have had lots of time to think about the meaning of those words. Truly, hatred often comes from a lack of tolerance. Those who people fail to tolerate are usually those who are somehow different. They may speak a different language, have a different complexion of skin, espouse different political views, or belong to a different religion. These days, very few folks will openly admit that they can’t accept someone simply because of externals. Instead, they try to justify their intolerance by referring to someone’s work record, ethical code, or belief system. I am sure that if people try, they can easily “justify” intolerance. What is most striking about the sign, however, is the word “teach.” Tolerance has to be taught just as hatred and biases are taught. Virtually all of us have learned either acceptance of others or prejudices from parents and other significant persons in our lives. Most of these lessons are not taught with words so much as with actions and attitudes. The world would indeed be a better place if we could free ourselves from some of our biases. In this lesson of tolerance, we are all learners and we are all teachers. - Fr. Herb
March 7, 1999 HOUSE ON WHEELS The traffic on U.S. 30 moved cautiously as it approached an “oversized load” vehicle. As I came upon the semi-tractor, I could see it pulling half of a mobile home. The other half was probably not far behind. Actually, for those who travel major highways, the sight of a mobile home is not unusual. Lots of Americans live in that type of dwelling place. Consequently, hundreds of them are transported from place to place each week. When I see one of those homes on wheels, I often think about the family that may soon be living in it. For many, their hopes and dreams of a new home are riding on those wheels. Whether people establish themselves in modular homes, buy an old house, or build from scratch, we all have hopes for a happy home and a good place to live. Those dreams don’t just happen, however. Lots of work has to be put into making them reality. The next time you see a home on wheels on the highway, say a prayer for whoever the family is that will take up residence in that house. And then say a prayer for all those who dwell in your own house. - Fr. Herb