The pastor of my parish is a well-known priest. At mass this Sunday, he told us how he recently used some of his high-level political connections.
In consideration of the many children at mass, our pastor spoke tactfully of the torture and killing of many children happening In the Middle East. Then he told us how he wrote to the senior leaders in Israel, who know him, and asked them to offer to trade himself for one of the hostage children there. He received a thankful response, and words which led him to believe this was going forward. Our pastor then told us how he began clearing out the rectory where he lives, and considering who might replace him in the parish. He investigated flights to Israel --- which are cancelled --- and then spoke to his military contacts, who believed they would be able to fly him there.
Then the Israeli leaders got back to him and thanked him, and told him how instead of his offer, they’d arranged a hostage swap (did his offer influence that result?). At that point our priest said “I decided I should tell my bishop what I had done --- without seeking his approval.” He said the bishop was very understanding, and then told him that he, the bishop, was developing a new counseling program for the priests in his diocese, that they need to be prepared for martyrdom. They were shocking words.
I don’t remember our priest’s concluding words, but I’m sure they were again tactfully spoken. What I do remember precisely, however, is what I felt at the time of Consecration later in that mass, when our priest raised the large host heavenward and said: “For this is My Body, which will be given up for You.”
We Christians know what Jesus died for. The Catholics of my parish now know what our pastor was willing to die for. What are you willing to die for? I think it’s a question we need to begin praying about.
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It’s been a month since I wrote a blog posting. Sorry. Much has been happening in my life also, and in the lives of those around me, so many God-related events. Perhaps I am just more aware of His presence than ever, but I speak to Him often, and know He is near. Perhaps thinking on these things will yield good Advent preparations, for His coming.
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I had a pleasant Thanksgiving, and I found many things to be thankful for. I look forward to Christmas. I’ve written my Christmas card letter, and bought cards. I ordered some presents (books), and last Friday I brought all the decorations up from the basement. My Christmas tree is up, but I found most of the lights didn’t work --- a common starting event --- so I’ll get more today, and then continue. The outside lights are up, and on.
It's beginning to feel a lot like Christmas. There is much to celebrate --- while we still live here on earth.
