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Bob's Corner
2005
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| 01/09/05 Happy new year |
| All,
Happy New Year! Yesterday the spousal-unit and I completed another one of our annual traditions of taking the family out for breakfast at Bob Evans to review the past year and set goals for the new year. Even though our children were less than enthusiastic—we did force them to assume a vertical position before noon—I could tell that they were pleased to hear of their many accomplishments in 2004. And to tell the truth, so was I.
It was the famous Greek philosopher, Socrates, who wrote that the “unexamined life is not worth living.” He had discovered that many of his countrymen spent their lives in diverse pursuits-- money, power, pleasure, security -- without asking themselves if these were important. Socrates believed that without doing so through careful reflection, alert observation and critical arguments these citizens would not know if they were doing the right thing. Worse yet, they might be wasting their energy, time and money in useless or even dangerous pursuits.
One author states that the number one problem of man at the close of the twentieth century is that he leads an unexamined life. He observed that modern man seems to rush from task to task, leaving no time to reflect on life's larger issues. With that in mind I reflected on the past year to ponder what I had achieved, what I had received, and what I continued to believe. It was comforting to discover that I had achieved most of my 2004 goals, but the few that had not been crossed off my list were a humbling reminder that I still had room to grow. I also noted that I had learned, or, in some cases, had relearned some valuable lessons. Among them were (1) obedience leads to freedom; (2) love is a decision; and (2) sometimes you just can’t ignore your feelings even if you graduated from the Vulcan Science Academy.
From our mini-retreat it was clear that you all had learned some valuable lessons this year. Here is a summary:
1. if I stay focused and believe in myself I can achieve what I need.
2. not to take things for granted.
3. how to discuss difficult topics with those who don’t believe as I do.
4. trusting in the Lord takes more than saying you trust.
5. all health centers suck.
6. I can’t trust everyone when it comes to matters of faith.
7. how to be more outgoing.
8. the importance of time management.
9. I definitely want to teach High School.
10. you just have to deal with professors.
11. it’s advantageous to be friends with people in the Registrar’s Office.
12. I really need make school a priority.
13. intimate relationships cannot be replaced by numerous acquaintances..
14. I cannot procrastinate anymore.
15. it’s unwise to give knives to psychos.
16. people of different races, religions, etc. can have a lot in common and become good friends.
17. I am stronger than I think I am.
18. you have to know the whys before you understand the whats.
19. college is not about school, it’s about life.
20. it’s OK to be undecided about things.
21. office hours are a must.
Pretty good lessons in there for all of us!
In Lamentations 3:40 we are exhorted to “… examine our ways and test them, and let us return to the Lord.” And St. Paul reminds us to "Test all things; hold fast to that which is good." (I Thes 5:21). If you haven’t yet taken the time to examine your life over the past year, reflecting on what thoughts, words and deeds brought you closer to God or helped you become the best version of yourselves, I would encourage you to do so while the year is yet young and optimism abounds. Furthermore, sit down and list some goals for yourself for 2005.
At the breakfast table yesterday that’s exactly what we did. Each of us listed at least one physical, emotional, intellectual, financial and spiritual goal to give our lives some direction for the next year. I have mine taped to the bathroom mirror. That way I’m constantly reminded of them and everyone in my family can hold me accountable. I am excited for the opportunities that 2005 will have for me to know, love and serve Him more by becoming more of the man He created me to be.
If our purpose is to seek God’s Kingdom and do His will, then we would best be advised to examine our lives now and every day, asking God to reveal to us in what ways He wants us to know Him more intimately, in what ways He wants us to grow like Him more faithfully, and in what ways He wants us to show Him to others more boldy.
God bless you. Have a great 2005. And remember, all of us at St. V.’s love you!
Your friend in Christ,
Bob S. |
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| 01/15/05 Bloom |
| All,
The other night I watched a very interesting show on the Discovery
Channel about the analysis of a volcanic eruption. Though the science
was fascinating what caught my attention most was the landscape. All
around the crater were acres and acres of gray, sharp-edged volcanic
rocks of various sizes. It looked desolate. Yet, as the camera followed
one of the scientists on his survey it panned across a surprising sight:
Amid a clump of small boulders rose a small green bush with striking
purple flowers. There, in the middle of a most hostile environment, life
had taken root, grown and bloomed.
As I was watching an old Glory & Praise song suddenly came to mind. Its
signature line is, "Bloom, bloom, bloom where you're planted, love will
find a way." When the spousal-unit and I moved back to Fort Wayne from
Minnesota we were very excited to get involved in our parish. Such
excitement waned quickly on our first visit to St. Vincent's. It was
huge. It was blue and cold. And it seemed to be lifeless. (Remember,
this was over 20 years ago!) Just across the street in the Crozier
House was a vibrant community that was full of the Spirit.
It would have been very easy for us to leave our home parish and join
there, but we didn't. I felt very strongly that God had a purpose for
planting us at St. Vincent's and, in spite of our feelings and first
impressions, He was calling us to bloom where we were planted. And so we
stayed. We took root. Slowly, but surely, we grew in our faith. And the
ministries he called us to blossomed. Today I consider St. Vincent's to
be my extended family and am very thankful that He planted us here.
We do not always find ourselves in a friendly or desirable environment
whether it be at school, work or church. It can make us uncomfortable,
uneasy, and even unproductive. We may want to run away at the first
opportunity, to escape to more pleasant and hospitable surroundings.
Before acting on such an urge we should always ask ourselves: Is this
where God has planted me? If the answer is yes, then you must be willing
to bloom where you're planted. And don't worry about the if's, and's and
but's, His love will find a way!
God bless you. Have a great weekend. And remember, all of us at St. V.'s
love you.
Your friend in Christ,
Bob S. |
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| 01/18/05 Give up |
All,
It may be hard to believe but I was once known as "The Animal". Ok, you can stop laughing now, but it's true. I was a wrestler in high school and that was the nickname so fondly bestowed on me by my circle of friends. While generally mild-mannered, I turned a bit wild when I stepped onto the mat.
I enjoyed wrestling, but didn't really look forward to wrestling season. It wasn't the hot and sweaty practice room, the endless staircase runs, or the coach always picking me as his wrestling partner that I dreaded: The most difficult thing about wrestling season was making weight. From the first day of the practice until the last match I had to give up eating like a normal human being. No desserts. No snacks. No Whoppers washed down with large Dr. Peppers. And smaller portions of everything except red meat. My stomach was never too far from empty, but I willingly submitted to the strict diet because I wanted to be on the team.
It wasn't easy, though. For the first week or so I felt like a food addict suffering from calorie withdrawal. The cravings were intense. It was funny how a little, candy-coated M&M could stir up such strong feelings of desire within me. But my desire to make weight was always a little stronger (well, not always*) I felt rewarded each time I put on my blue and gray uniform, strapped on my headgear, and stepped out onto the mat. And the cheers for "The Animal" from my friends didn't hurt either!
We have now entered a season, Lent, during which we are asked to "give up" something for the sake of becoming better disciples of Christ. In making my Lenten sacrifice, I considered to what things I was most attached. Could I give them up? Is my desire for them stronger than my desire for holiness? Did I love them more than Him who loves me?
As I pondered, I was reminded of the story of the rich young man who asked Jesus what he must do to gain eternal life (Mt. 19:16-26). Jesus answered that he must obey the commandments. The young man responded that he had indeed kept them*he was in good standing with the Law and Prophets--but then curiously asked Jesus, "What do I still lack?" Jesus said to him, "If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me."
When the young man heard this, he turned and walked sadly away. Why? Because, I think, he was so attached to his great wealth, he derived so much security and comfort from it, and he depended so much on it for his well-being, that he could not give it up even for a much greater treasure.
During this Lenten season, let us not be like the rich young man. May we all be willing to give up whatever Christ asks us to so that we may be better able to follow Him, to become perfect as He is perfect, and to be conformed more fully into His image. Could it be difficult? Yes. Is it impossible? In the weakness of our flesh, perhaps, but with God's grace all things are possible. That's what I'm depending on!
God bless you. Have a great Lent. And remember, all of us at St. V.'s love you!
Your friend in Christ,
Bob S. |
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| 03/04/05 A worthless servant |
All,
I listened in stunned disbelief. The director had just told me that I
should start looking elsewhere for work. What? How could this be?
Hadn't he and his supervisor and another high-level manager just
praised my team's software demo? Had we not exceeded their
expectations? My head was swirling with the irony: I had just programmed
myself out of a job. Of course, he praised my performance and was very
sorry, but nonetheless he couldn't quite fit me into next quarter's
project plan. All my computer skills and all my software engineering
knowledge seemed not to make a difference. I left feeling pretty
worthless. It had been a good day gone very bad.
I went home and sought the solace of the cave. I tried to read the
paper and watch the news, but couldn't focus on anything. The
spousal-unit offered her comfort, but even her best efforts at
affirmation couldn't lift my spirits. As I dwelled in the pit of
depression I had a sudden flashback. I don't remember how long ago it
was, but I having a conversation with Fr. Mark about a recent Life Teen
event. I had worked hard to fulfill my part and was exhausted. He said
to me as he walked away, "Just remember, you're nothing but a
worthless servant." I know it sounds weird, but I started to feel a
little better. Let me explain.
In Luke 17 v. 1-10 Jesus gives yet another glimpse of what it means to
be his disciples. He talks about a servant who has worked all day in the
fields. When the servant comes home his master greets him with yet
another request, "Make my supper. Wait on me while I eat and drink."
Some gratitude, huh? If you're like me you would have expected a
little acknowledgement of the hard work that had been done all day long.
Jesus concludes the story like this, "So you also, when you have done
everything you were told to do, should say, 'We are unworthy servants;
we have only done our duty.'"
When people do what they're supposed to do, that doesn't merit
extra praise or a party. They're doing their duty. You and I have
different jobs, different vocations that the Lord has given to us:
employee, boss, parent, child, husband, wife, student, teacher, etc.
With each of these vocations comes a lot of expectations. And as we
fulfill our duties we sure don't mind some recognition and
appreciation for all that we do. That's why we have so many
appreciation days throughout the year.
But being a disciple of Christ is something a whole lot different. It
requires the attitude of an unworthy servant. Our "yes" to God must
be completely unqualified. We must do everything to please God, humbling
ourselves before our Master in seeking His will, pouring out our very
lives to serve Him, and participating in His salvific mission. We must
think that to do the work of God is not so much a duty as a divine
privilege. We must accept as the reward for doing service, well, more
service!
Why did I start feeling better? Because I realized once again that I
have been magnificently blessed in serving God, and that He will supply
his unworthy servant with whatever is needed. Like the disciples in that
story, I, too, asked the Lord to increase my faith so that I may
continue to trust Him, serve Him and live for Him each day no matter
what the circumstances.
God bless you. Have a great weekend. And remember, all of us at St.
V.'s love you!
Your friend in Christ,
Bob S.
P.S. Here's a great nighttime prayer from St. Antiochus
O Ruler of all, Word of the Father, O Jesus Christ, Thou Who are
perfect: For the sake of the plenitude of Thy mercy, never depart from
me, but always remain in me, Thy servant. O Jesus, Good Shepherd of Thy
sheep, deliver me not over to the sedition of the serpent, and leave me
not to the will of Satan, for the seed of corruption is in me.
But do Thou, O Lord, Who is worshipped God, holy King, Jesus Christ,
guard me as I sleep by the Unwaning Light, Thy Holy Spirit, by Whom Thou
didst sanctify Thy disciples. O Lord, grant me, Thine unworthy servant,
Thy salvation upon my bed.
Enlighten my mind with the light of understanding of Thy Holy Gospel;
my soul, with the love of Thy Cross; my heart, with the purity of Thy
word; my body, with Thy passionless Passion. Keep my thought in Thy
humility, and raise me up at the proper time for Thy glorification. For
most glorified art Thou together with Thine unoriginate Father, and the
Most Holy Spirit, unto the ages. Amen. |
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| 03/25/05 Called Up |
All,
My co-worker at Raytheon, Captain Steve, was recently called-up to active duty by the Army. He had completed his formal obligation to the Army more than seven years ago, but was still part of their reserve list. He must report to Ft. Sill, Oklahoma, for deployment no later than April 24th. His tour of duty will last from 12-18 months and his most likely destinations are Iraq and Afghanistan.
I cannot say that Captain Steve was excited to receive his call. In fact, he was shocked. He called several military agencies to confirm that his call up to active duty was not a mistake. Given the disruption his service will cause for his wife and three young daughters and the certain danger he will face, it is wholly understandable that he would seek assurances that this call was genuine. In spite of his trepidations, Captain Steve will obey his orders and make the necessary sacrifices to fulfill his patriotic duty.
Today we remember the passion of Christ. He, too, was called up by the Father to engage in warfare*one against sin and death. In the Garden of Gethsemane Jesus expressed His anguish at fulfilling his duty, "Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will." Three times Jesus prayed; three times He implored the Father to reconsider, and three times He affirmed His readiness to do the will of His Father. Afterward, when He knew that His betrayer was near, He said to His disciples, "Rise up! Let us go*."
And so He was brought up to Caiaphas and Pilate on false charges.
And so He was tied up to a pillar to be scourged at the hands of the Roman guards.
And so He was lifted up on a cross to die for our sins.
And so He was raised up to Heaven to reign in glory forever.
Today, this Good Friday, we remember how Jesus was called up to be the Paschal Lamb, the Suffering Servant, and our Savior, Lord and King. May we express our heartfelt gratitude in our worship and with our lives. When He calls us up to serve, may we always respond, "yet not as I will, but as you will".
God bless you. Have a Happy Easter. And remember, all of us at St. V.'s love you!
Your friend in Christ,
Bob S. |
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| 09/02/05 What defines you |
all,
While on summer vacation (hmmm...summer...vacation...seems so long ago)
the spousal-unit and I took in the movie, "Batman Begins." It was
quite
enjoyable for both of us, and there was one moment that we each
thought
was quite memorable. As Batman continues to struggle to find--and
reveal--
his true identity, his longtime female friend says to him, "...it's
what
you do that defines who you are." As the new school year begins, I'd
like
you to take a moment and ponder these words.
If you profess that you love God and the Church, that you are a
follower
of Christ, that the Holy Spirit guides and directs your life then you
must act like it. Not just for yourself, but indeed for the world, for
the the world is watching. To the world--your family, your friends,
your
classmates, your coworkers, your fraternity brothers and sorority
sisters--
you are not defined by what you think and you are not defined by what
you say;
you are defined by what you do. If you are a true disciple of Jesus
then what
you do will be consistent with what you say and what you think.
Above all, you must be willing to love. First and foremost, to
demonstrate
love for God as echoed by the Great Commandment. Equally important is
to love
one another. As Jesus spoke to His disciples, "This is how all will
know that you are my
disciples, if you have love for one another. (Jn 13:35)" You must love
with compassion and joy, without expecting affirmation nor reward, and
without fear.
I know it may be tempting to hide your Catholic identity to "go along
to get along,"
when faced with difficult people to love or difficult circumstances in
which to love. College life can be a swirling vortex of culture and
ideas not always friendly to living out one's faith. Have courage, for
God can help you swim in any waters, even walk on those waters if
necessary!
I pray that this year would be a defining one for you. May you always
be unashamed of who you are in Christ and always willing to think, say
and especially do what He wills.
God bless you. Have a great year. And remember, all of us at St. V.'s
love you!
Your friend in Christ,
Bob S. |
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| 09/09/05 No such thing as try |
all,
last Saturday i went to marion to see my son, tim, compete in a
cross-country invitational.
as i was wandering around i spotted this phrase on the back of a
t-shirt, "do it or don't do it:
there is no such thing as try." i immediately thought of how it applied
to running, especially
to my son. earlier in the day, his coach had established a finish time
for him, a time almost
90 seconds faster than he ran in his last meet. now, i'm sure he could
have said to his coach,
"i'll try," but he didn't. he oozed with the confidence that is common
to hormone-filled xy
adolescents. he was sure that he could do it. and of course, he did.
that's my boy!
my point here is that not all of us are like that when faced with
challenges. i believe this
is especially true in our faith lives. it's easy for us to say, "i'll
try to pray more,"
"i'll try to get to mass more often," "i'll try to be more <fill in
your favorite virtue>".
why? because i think it gives us an out. we all fear failure, and by
diluting our--or anyone
else's expectations--with the word "try," we can always point to the
effort we make rather
than the end we may fail to achieve.
consider this: there is no "try" when we voice our commitment in
reconciliation. in the words
of a traditional act of contrition: "i firmly resolve with the help of
Thy grace
to sin no more and avoid the near occasion of sin". these words reflect
the intention of our
Father, that we all be holy as He is holy. Jesus didn't say, "try to be
holy," but "be holy".
he didn't say, "try to love your neighbor," he said, "love your
neighbor as yourselves.
and he didn't say, "try to make disciples of all nations," but "go and
make disciples of all
nations." His commands to us, His confidence in us, and His courageous
love for us should
instill within us not only a desire to do His will, but a "can do it"
attitude.
don't be afraid to do what you know is right, what you know is good,
what you know is God's
will for you. you may fall, but He'll raise you up. you may fail, but
His love will never
fail.
God bless you. have a great weekend. and remember, all of us at St.
V.'s love you!
your friend in Christ,
bob s. |
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| 09/19/05 The callenge of the flange |
All,
We recently had our floor replaced in the bathroom. Of course, before the new floor could be put down we had to rip out the vanity, baseboards, faucets and associated plumbing, and the toilet. The installer did a beautiful job of laying down the new ceramic tile, but as he left his words struck fear into my heart: "When you reseat the toilet I'd suggest you replace the drain flange along with the wax ring." Uh-huh. Didn't he know who he was talking to? I mean, I know as much about plumbing as I do the inner workings of the XX mind. Anyway, I smiled weakly and thanked him for his advice.
A few days later, after a trip to Loew's, I stared down the toilet drain as I contemplated what I was going to do with my shiny new flange and wax ring. It didn't look that hard I thought to myself. Just remove the old flange, put the new one down with the wax ring, and set the toilet on top. Couldn't take more than half and hour. About forty-five minutes later I had made no progress. I stared dumbfounded at the immovable flange. It stared back at me with what I was sure was a rusty smirk.
Well, I don't know a lot of things for sure, but I know my limitations. Unless I got some help that toilet would never flush again. I called my friend Rick and he came over right away. I'm sure he heard the desperation in my voice. With a quiet confidence he surmised the situation, pulled out his Dremel tool and proceeded to do surgery on the pesky flange and its bolts. About a half-hour later it was all over. I thanked Rick profusely as we triumphantly admired the newly seated toilet.
Isn't our faith life sometimes like the challenge of the drain flange? I mean, don't we sometimes face problems, temptations, and obstacles that we think we can handle, but soon become overwhelming? God knew from the very beginning that none of us can go it alone. Eve is called the "help-mate" of Adam. God gave Moses a helper in the person of Aaron. Jesus sent the disciples out two-by-two to help each other spread the Gospel. Silas and Timothy helped Paul to endure many hardships as he witnessed to the Gentiles.
Do you have someone you can call on when your faith needs a boost? Or can someone call on you in the same way? I hope so. And don't be afraid to ask for help. All of us have our limitations. It is not weakness to recognize and admit one's limitations; rather, it is wisdom. I don't know about you, but I'd rather be sitting on the porcelain throne than staring down a rusty drain*.
God bless you. Have a great week. And remember, everyone at St. V.'s loves (and is always willing to help) you!
Your friend in Christ,
Bob S. |
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| 09/23/05 Too hard |
All,
I attended Mass at IPFW this week along with Niely, Conozo, the Dactyl, and recently-returned Adam. Fr. Larry Kramer was the celebrant. In his homily he offered this quote from G. K. Chesterton, "The Christian ideal has not been tried and found wanting. It has been found difficult; and left untried." These words have rattled around my brain all week, and every time they bounced off another piece of my gray matter I saw another kernel of truth.
For example, I watch a lot of televangelists. One group of these present Christianity as a fountain of financial abundance, physical well-being, and emotional bliss. Just accept Christ and you'll be showered with every kind of blessing imaginable. Such a message makes easy converts*and raises lots of money--but how long do they last? The inescapable reality is that God "causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous." (Mt. 5:45) The Christian ideal is not that a believer will lead an ideal life, but in leading his real life Christ promises to walk along with him.
Another example that is particularly painful for me is the realization that many teens, even those who were active in Life Teen, abandon their faith for the supposed freedom of the Dark Side. Being a Catholic and following Christ was just fine until real obedience was demanded or real trust was required.
Remember the parable of the rich young ruler? He walked away sad for it was too hard for him to give up his riches. Or Jesus' teaching on the Eucharist? Many walked away because it was too hard for them to believe that they would have to eat His body and drink His blood to have life. Or Peter's three-fold denial? He ran and hid from because it was too hard for him to acknowledge Christ for fear of his physical well-being. Or the Hebrews' fashioning of the golden calf? It was too hard for them to wait for Moses to return from the mountain of God.
Yes, it's hard to be faithful to the demands of discipleship, to live according to God's word and in obedience to His commands. And so many walk away seeking fun and fulfillment in the world. But most will simply find addiction, despair, and emptiness.
What do you find difficult about being a man or woman of faith? More so, about keeping your faith in the face of suffering, conflict, disappoint, and all the other ways in which the world can "rain" on you? I sincerely hope that you don't let such experiences diminish your faith, but see them as opportunities to grow even closer to Christ.
Jesus was no stranger to pain and He never promised that His followers would be free from it. He knew that true freedom was found in Him*and Him alone*but such freedom also required carrying a cross. He knew that leading a virtuous life was possible to all, but only if they allowed the heart and mind to be transformed by the Holy Spirit. And He knew that suffering was inevitable, but that those who possessed His life would be given grace in this life to persevere.
May you always pursue the Christian ideal and never find it too difficult to keep trying!
God bless you. Have a great weekend. And remember, all of us at St. V.'s love you!
Your friend in Christ,
Bob S. |
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| 09/30/05 A Little Respect |
All,
This Sunday is Respect Life Sunday. As in many years past, the pro-life
community in Fort Wayne will gather at the Catholic cemetery to
especially mourn the lives lost to abortion by the hands of Dr. Klopfer.
We will pray for each soul as their names are read one-by-one. A red
rose will be gently placed on a small casket for each little boy and
little girl who never breathed the cool October air, who never saw the
colorful leaves of Fall, and who never walked hand-in-hand with his or
her mother through a roadside pumpkin patch.
In silence we will reflect upon the senseless tragedy that has consumed
more than a generation of our children, and stand as witnesses to the
gift of life whose value we cherish no matter how small or frail, no
matter what color or class, and no matter what faith or origin. The
media will pay little attention to our gathering and the culture around
us will likely shrug its shoulders with indifference, but God will see
us. He will know the choice we make to defend and promote life from the
moment He gives it to us until the moment He takes it away.
Some years ago I was asked by a Philosophy professor to share my views
on abortion with her introductory class. I happily agreed. A Sociology
professor was also invited the same day to offer an opposing view. In
the course of our discussion of the philosophical and religious
arguments for and against abortion it became evident that I was not only
a Christian, but a Catholic. From that point on the environment became
decided hostile. I was attacked for belonging to a church that oppressed
women, discriminated against homosexuals, and held blindly to beliefs
that were medieval at best and Neanderthal at worst. I vainly looked to
the class for some support or affirmation. Surely, I thought, there were
a few pro-life students. Sad to say, none of them spoke up.
Well, I survived the encounter with just a few emotional scratches. And
it turned out that there were indeed a few pro-life students present who
came up and thanked me for my witness. As you may have discovered, the
college campus may not be the most "life-friendly" environment, yet,
as Catholics, we are called to be witnesses for the truth wherever we
are. I know it's not easy in the face of our social and legal climate
to be pro-life, but I encourage all of you to hold fast to the
Church's teachings, and proclaim them by your words and actions.
Each day brings new attacks. The pressure for acceptance of and federal
funding for fetal stem cell research. The growing clamor for more
flexibility in euthanasia policies (btw, did you see what the Dutch have
just legalized?). The specter of human cloning for "therapeutic"
purposes. The continued advancement of "test-tube baby" technology.
The increasing practice of using abortion to as a tool for weeding out
the physically or mentally feeble. Against all of these I hope you will
stand firm and pray for the grace of God to advance the respect for
life.
God bless you. Have a great weekend. And remember, all of us at St.
V.'s love you!
Your friend in Christ,
Bob S. |
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| 10/07/05 Are you this kind of leader |
All,
As I watched the seven young men in dark blue uniforms streak toward the finish line, I knew that the dream that had become a possibility was now a certainty. They had won the conference championship. They had dethroned a dynasty. They had accomplished what no other cross-county team had done in the history of their school. It was a fitting ending to a season during which they had trained with a single-mindedness and competed with a ferociousness that would not yield, that would not be denied. It was a testimony to their athletic prowess. However, this signal victory was not solely the result of their running ability; it was founded on and fostered by the coach's leadership ability.
Let me briefly share with you three things I observed about the coach's leadership. First, he gave them a vision. Early in the summer, when practice first started, he communicated to them in clear and certain terms where they could go and how they could get there. Secondly, he demanded of them no more than once had been demanded of him. He, too, had been a member of the cross-county team. He knew how to warm up, how to train for speed and endurance, how to cool down, and how to race. Finally, he played no favorites. Whoever had the fastest times ran varsity. He treated each member of his team with respect, and challenged each one to do his best. And they responded with the best season the team has ever had.
I know that many of you are in positions of leadership in Catholic organizations great and small and many of you may be asked to assume such a role this year. Remember that being a leader is more than just having a title or holding an office. It is a call. If you want others to follow you then you must develop qualities like I observed in this coach. Give people a vision. Don't try to lead where you haven't gone. Value everyone. As a Catholic leader you must also model yourselves after Jesus Christ, the greatest leader the world has ever known. I encourage you to look afresh at the Gospels and see how Jesus gained, inspired, challenged and served His followers*and created His disciples.
God bless you. Have a great weekend. And remember, all of us at St. V.'s love you!
Your friend in Christ,
Bob S.
P.S. For all you sports fans, that team was BD! |
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| 10/17/05 The six panel door |
All,
I shall never look at a six-panel door in quite the same way. Let me
explain. Last weekend, as part of my Fall Break, the spousal-unit and I
ventured up to galena. It's a small town in the extreme northwest
corner of Illinois and sits on a tributary of the Mississippi river. It
is famous for its lead mines and civil war generals. One of its most
famous sons is Ulysses S. Grant. In gratitude for his leadership during
the civil war a group of wealthy townsfolk purchased a large house for
his family. It sits on top of a hill across from downtown overlooking
the apple river.
As part of our sightseeing activities we took a tour of the house. As
our guide walked us through the upstairs bedrooms she asked us to
examine the doors. They had the familiar six-panel construction that is
found in so many homes today. She remarked that they were originally
known as "Christian doors". She explained that many who made and
installed these doors believed that the raised areas that separated the
top four panels represented the cross, and that the bottom two panels
symbolized an open bible. I took another look at the door and sure
enough, could plainly see the cross and bible.
I thought to myself what an ordinary, but powerful, reminder of God's
presence that six-panel door must have been. Every time one of Grant's
family opened or closed a door he was reminded of God's great love for
us through the gift of His Son, who died for us, and the gift of His
word, which reveals to us who He is and what He desires.
There are many things that remind us of God's presence. Some wear
scapulars or cross necklaces. Some carry rosary beads or rings. Some
hang crucifixes or sacred pictures on their walls. I see lots of fish
magnets on cars or bumper stickers that explicitly proclaim faith in
God. And everywhere I go, I see steeples topped with crosses. Over the
years we have fashioned many things that symbolize our faith and our
Savior. And God has woven into the very fabric of His creation powerful
reminders of His presence. The psalmist writes, "The heavens declare
the glory of God; the sky proclaims its builder's craft." (Ps 19:2)
I can look up at the thousands of stars in the evening sky and feel
God's presence. I can look upon the billions of grains of sand on the
ocean's beach and feel God's presence. And I can look into the
unfolding blossom of a delicate rose bud and feel God's presence. But
now, too, every time I look at my front door, I can be reminded of
God's sacramental presence through His sacrifice and His word.
God bless you. Have a great weekend. And remember, everyone at St.
V.'s loves you!
Your friend in Christ,
bob s. |
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| 10/24/05 If Then Else |
All,
On Thursday my colleague, Michelle, popped into my office after her class. She had just finished trying to explain a common construct in programming that allows a choice to be made between executing two different instructions. She was having a difficult time getting this concept across. Exasperated, she finally exclaimed, "Look guys. This isn't difficult. Everything in life is a conditional statement."
Everything in life is a conditional statement. How true. Think about the number of choices you make every day. Think about the number of decisions you make from the time you wake up until the time you go back to sleep. What should I wear? What should I have for breakfast? Do I turn left or right, speed up or slow down, park here or look for a better spot? Should I go to class today or skip? These are small decisions. Simple ones. Not very significant. But put them all together and you create a life that is filled with alternate histories, possibilities realized and opportunities missed. How many times have you heard, "If I had only*", or "If I just hadn't *", or "I'm sure glad I decided to*".
Everything in our faith life is a conditional statement, too. To be a disciple of Christ we must choose to follow Him every day. I am reminded of these lyrics from "Everyday": "Everyday, it's You I'll live for / Everyday, I'll follow after You / Everyday, I'll walk with You my Lord". And that means in all the small decisions in which we can choose good or evil, right or wrong, love or indifference, justice or inequity.
Last night when I got home from Life Teen I found a piece of chocolate on my dresser. It had been left there by my spousal-unit. She had been to a social outing at DeBrand's Chocolatier with a number of XX-units. She had made a simple decision, an inexpensive one. Not very significant. But she demonstrated her love to me, and, in a simple way, she continued to fulfill her vocation. She also inspired me to look for ways in which I might make such loving decisions in return.
Everything in life is a conditional statement. May you make all the right decisions.
God bless you. Have a great week. And remember, everyone at St. V.'s loves you!
Your friend in Christ,
Bob S. |
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| 11/08/05 A Beautiful Day |
All,
It was a beautiful day. I had just pulled to a stop at the top of a
hill. As I looked ahead, I saw trees, ablaze like campfires, lining both
sides of the road. They flickered red, orange and yellow in the gentle
wind. All around their fallen leaves glowed like embers on the emerald
grass. As I moved forward, the sun drew its warm hand across my face
from a pale blue sky. I turned into the church parking lot, found a spot
near the entrance, and walked slowly into the sanctuary. I took my seat
near the back. The stained-glass windows mirrored the brilliance of
creation's autumn. Man's design reflecting the work of the
Designer.
It was a beautiful day. I had come for the funeral of our music
director's father. He had succumbed to cancer. His family, by blood
and by Spirit, had gathered to mourn his death and celebrate his life.
The choir members led us in songs of comfort and hope, of faith and
peace, of remembrance and expectation. Fr. John spoke of a gentle man
committed to his family and his Church, a man who had strived to bring
peace and harmony to those around him, and a man who served joyfully all
the days of his life. The scripture readings provided a powerful
reminder of our joyful destiny, "For if we believe that Jesus died and
rose, so too will God, through Jesus, bring with him those who have
fallen asleep." (I Thes 4:14) After the mass we walked in procession
to the gravesite. There, with the sun shining brightly, our final
prayers lifted his soul and our hearts toward heaven.
It was a beautiful day. It was a beautiful day to enjoy God's gift of
creation. It was a beautiful day to experience God's gift of the
communion of saints. It was a beautiful day to embrace God's gift of
eternal life.
God bless you. Have a beautiful day. And remember, all of us at St.
V.'s love you!
Your friend in Christ,
Bob S. |
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