SEMINARY REUNION - This past week was a time of reunion – another celebration of the 50th with my classmates at our seminary – St. Mary’s, Baltimore, Maryland – so I drove down with Father Joe and Monsignor Milia – to the seminary – and spent a couple of great days with many of my friends and classmates – remembering days gone by – I discovered something interesting for me – that despite the fact that we don’t see much of each other these days – I truly like all those I studied with and enjoy being with them – they were great guys and we have a good time being with each other. The years I spent at St. Mary’s were great for me – they made me ready for my priesthood and also open to what ever would happen – the first few years of my priesthood were times of change in the Church as the Vatican Council began to play out – and I was formed with a unique openness by my professors and counselors during those seminary days. So – it was a wonderful week – of seeing so many classmates – and the ghosts of so many others – and ghosts of so many teachers – who had so much to do with making me who I am.
ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION – This weekend the parish will be celebration the 40th anniversary of Sister Sharon – our school principal. Sister has been here in Ticonderoga for about 23 years – and has truly been more than just a school principal – she has been very active in the parish – staying close to the sick – being part of so many families – in good times and in difficult – so it will be a great opportunity to honor Sister Sharon – and also to honor the Sisters of St. Joseph, who have been part of St. Mary’s School for 40 years. I am truly grateful for Sister Sharon’s place in this parish – she keeps the school operating soundly – and has been a positive force for good in the parish – reaching out to those in need – and always being ready to help keep the parish filled with the Spirit of the Lord – always happy and peaceful.
BARTIMAEUS
This Sunday’s Gospel is the story of Bartimaeus – a blind man – St. Mark tells us his name – and that his name indicates he is son of Timaeus – this adds so much to this story – we know his name – after all of these years – Jesus is walking through Jericho – and Bartimaeus knows something about Jesus – and has developed great faith in Jesus – and so he shouts out “ Jesus, son of David, have pity on me.” He becomes a problem – he disturbs the others – but he will not keep quiet – “Jesus, son of David, have pity on me.” – saying, “son of David”, indicates that he has faith in Jesus as the Messiah – Jesus calls him over – “What do you want me to do for you?” – “Master, I want to see.” – and Jesus grants his request – “Go your way, your faith has saved you.”
I love this story – I can see Bartimaeus – I am thrilled by his faith and his boldness – the lesson – first of all – how would I answer, if Jesus asked me – asks me – “What do you want me to do for you?” - What is it I want right now – I think of so many that I truly care about who are sick or suffering – Lord help them – I think of my parish – and all that I hope for them – Lord, make them truly faithful and alive –
And Secondly, “Lord I want to see” – I want to see clearly – I want to know and recognize all that I should do – all that I can do – to make my life better – that I can see and recognize all those who need me – that I can see and recognize and know well how I can make a difference in this world.
LET US PRAY
Almighty God, my Father – open my eyes – guide my understanding – give me your love – that I may truly do all that you ask of me – that I know how to fill each day with your Spirit and bring your love to those who need you and because of you, need me. This is my prayer. Amen.
Please join me as we join together and say the Lord’s Prayer.
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