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March 3, 2006

DEAR BROTHERS AND SISTERS IN CHRIST,

As you know, these readings are taken from this past Sunday. However, I just couldn’t let them pass. First, because it was the first Mass I was able to celebrate with my family in well over a month and, at the same time, the first time I’d been able to receive the Eucharist in that same time. When I looked at them in preparing for Mass I knew the Good Lord had prepared them just for me (all the pride isn’t gone yet!). Each of them spoke so deeply to my heart and my time.

Back in 1998 I experienced the desert into which God led his people - the Sinai. I was with 20 other people but as we made a short trek into the desert I was stunned by its harshness and emptiness; its silence and solitude. It swallows you up. It’s a place of despair and, at night, of utter darkness. I have had that same feeling through this struggle. God has led me into the wilderness of this disease (not caused it) and here He has spoken to my heart. Here He has, and I have finally let Him, espouse me to Himself in every wonderful, magnificent, peace-filled way He has chosen. He has done it for me! I know there are many of you in your own desert place right now. I pray for you. But don’t try to leave that desert. Rather, listen...listen...listen. He will speak and you will rejoice.

The second reading only reminded me how blessed I am to have been given the opportunity to be your pastor. St. Paul Parish has a long and proud history and tradition. I can’t imagine, though, that it has been more a "letter written large" of the power of faith and action. Throughout these two years you have been my strength and hope and focus of healing and return. Through your faith and actions - especially the prayer and fasting you undertook of your own initiative - people all over the world (literally) have done the same. You are indeed "a letter of Christ" that I have been privileged to minister. I shall never be able to thank you enough.

Finally. Boy, did this ever hit me! Talk about new skin. Literally, the Father was pouring all the new Wine into a new skin - literally! Over the past two months (not to mention two years) I have managed to shed my skin twice (it’s part of the GVHD process - ask Terry if you want the details). But of even greater importance, I have had to shed the skin of pride, arrogance, self-centeredness and so much more to let God be God. I thank and praise Him, because the new skin into which He has poured this wonderful new Wine of Truth and Love fits so much better.

I pray this Lenten Season will bring to you the joy that I have experienced. Let Him lead you. Let Him fill you. May the Holy Spirit guide all you do and bring it to fruition.

I pray that I’ll be with you in body through at least part of this holy season. That would be a great joy. But if I’m not, I know it’ll be because the Lord is still working with me. Until then....

Peace,

Fr. Rick