to: all of my friends
from: Father Bill Muench
I want to share with you the picture of our new Bishop, Bishop Terry R. LaValley. The ceremony on Friday of this past week was truly memorable – the Cathedral in Ogdensburg was filled – the sanctuary was filled with Bishops – I dare say all of the priests of the diocese filled the front pews of our magnificent Cathedral – and the ceremony was exceptional – Archbishop Timothy Dolan, the Archbishop of New York, was the principal ordaining Bishop – and three of the past Bishops of our diocese – Bishop LoVerde, Bishop Cunningham, Bishop Barbarito – were also in attendance.
The real significance of the ceremony was that Bishop LaValley was chosen from the priests of our own diocese – and made our Bishop – we know him and he knows us – he truly knows the territory and the parishes as well as the priests of this diocese. The transition to a new chapter in the history of this diocese will be smooth and, yet, historic.
There are many challenges for Bishops in this time – I am certain that you have seen the many criticisms of Bishops in many places – so it will be a real challenge for our new Bishop – however, his excellent talk at the conclusion of the ordination Mass indicated that he is ready to meet the challenges – and hopes to do all that he can to make our diocese strong and alive. Please continue to pray for our new Bishop.
Fifth Sunday of Easter
The Gospel reading for the Fifth Sunday of Easter takes us back to Jesus’ Discourse at the Last Supper – as he presents his teaching on his new commandment – “Love one another” – “As I have loved you, so you also should love one another.” “This is how all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
So, Jesus’ message of love – love makes us instruments of God’s providence in the lives of others. Our prayer is that our love becomes the channel through which others will experience the love of God.
Love demands the best of us, and bring out the best in us. Being loved gives a surprising courage and energy. So also does love. Where there is great love, there are always miracles.
Jesus challenge – not only does he give the disciples the gift of his love; he commands them to do as he has done. He has shown what love is by doing something – pouring himself out in service. This was so graphically demonstrated when at the Last Supper he washed the apostles’ feet – he took over this menial service of a servant – to show them that being a loving leader a disciple must become a servant – service is where it is at for a Christian.
Biblical love – is not a warm, fuzzy feeling toward one another – rather it must be demonstrated in visible acts toward others.
To love as Jesus loves – it is not necessary to like or even feel kindly toward others – but it is necessary to act toward the other in the way Jesus treated his disciples – like washing their feet – after washing their feet, he instructed them – and us – that we must wash each others feet – may we demonstrate God’s love for us as we show our love for each other by all that we do for our Catholic Christian community.
This Sunday’s reading from the Acts of the Apostles – tells us of the St. Paul and St. Barnabas as they energetically traversed Asia Minor – offering the Good News – so – we are challenged by Jesus’ commandment to love to continue to bring the message of Jesus to others as we live it out in our lives and reach out in love to those in need.
LET US PRAY
Almighty God, my Father – guide me and lead me to be a loving person – and help me to put that love into action in service of those who need me – I need your wisdom to show me and guide me to discover those who need me today. Give me the boldness and courage of St. Paul and St. Barnabas – to bring Christ’s love to my world. This is my prayer. Amen.
Please join me as we pray together the Lord’s Prayer.
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