Today’s Reflection from Father Dave

“Got to feed my fish today…we have six…their names are Sync, Blubby, Fish-fish, Noodle, and Burple…they are Tetras…Mine is named Sync.” So said a text message I received from a young parishioner.

A few days ago I began writing these daily reflections just as an outlet, as suddenly I found myself without a Sunday community and no mass. These writings have now become a regular part of my Lenten practice. (I’m not a big fan of writing; just ask our bulletin editor.) They’ve become a way to keep connected to my parishioners in this time of “social distancing.”

I find that phrase very misleading, as we are called to physically distance ourselves from one another, but now more than ever we need to reach out and share what is going on in our isolations. A simple message shared on social media can change an entire day.

It is ironic that in the season of Lent many had planned to sacrifice social media as part of their Lenten practices, and now they take to it more than ever. All of us without exception do one thing the same: we push the “share icon” in whatever we have written or read. We SHARE. In this time more than ever before it becomes very important to remember: SHARE.

Today is the Feast of the Annunciation when God first announced to Mary the fulfillment of His dream to share his only begotten Son with us. Just think, exactly 3 months ago the churches were packed (no “social distancing” at that time). Families were together; students were home for the break, and handshakes, hugs, and kisses were the norm. This Feast of the Annunciation is where it all began. Now in these trying times, in the very midst of our Lenten season, families are together; our churches are empty; we are told to keep distant from one another: “Don’t touch. Wash your hands.” Yet the message of this feast day is that God desires to share His Son with us. It would take the “yes” of Mary, a young person, to make this a reality.

Sometimes we struggle and wonder where God is in all this darkness. God is with us, Emmanuel, we proclaimed just 3 months ago. That has not changed, and today we proclaim the name Jesus, God Saves. Remember, God’s message of salvation came through the promise of Mary to share God’s love with the world.

My day was made brighter, more hopeful, in the message of a young parishioner: “Got to feed the fish today.”

So I continue to share, in Faith, Hope, and Love.
Fr. Dave

Today’s Reflection from Father Dave

Cannot share the burden, but I can walk with you.

To once again bore you with my pilgrimage walks (like being invited over to someone’s house to watch videos or slides of their vacation), this time it is about backpacks.

Backpacks are fitted for each person. Go in; they measure you, and help adjust the straps. But in the end, it is you who carry the pack and all that you put into it. I found that as I walked, I fiddled with the pack; I felt the weight, where it rubbed wrong, and thought about it often. I was and still am a solo walker, enjoying the quiet and prayerful times that have been part of these treks.

As in any Camino, you meet others and at times find yourself keeping company. It was during these times that my pack and its discomforts were forgotten. The person I walked with did not take any of the weight off my shoulders, did not carry the pack for me, but the companionship helped lighten the burden.

I thought of this on Sunday when out for a walk with Mack (my black labrador). I came across a member of our community who was out trying to clear her heart and soul over difficult decisions that had to be made during this time. She agonized over the future as we talked across the street from one another. Never had I felt so completely useless to another, and all we could do was give a virtual hug during these times.

The gospel yesterday was the story of Jesus curing the synagogue official’s son, but different than most of the healing stories of Jesus, the child is distant from the physical touch of Jesus. We cannot in these times be physically present to those who are struggling in isolation, fear, and anxiety. We cannot relieve the physical, emotional, and even spiritual burdens they carry, but we can simply travel with them, walk beside them and listen.

We strive not to share the virus, but we can share the journey and somehow that makes a difference.

Your Wandering Padre
Fr. Dave

Today’s Reflection from Father Dave

On my first Camino pilgrimage almost 7 years ago, the number one question before my departure was how would I know the route. My plan of action was to just follow my shadow. I would be walking due west from France across Spain, so it seemed like a good plan. Now certain family members pointed out that this might work in the morning, but what about in the afternoon? I did not say this was a foolproof plan, and since my start date was April 1st I was keeping to the theme of this trek: The Fool’s Journey.

I thought about this “following my shadow” on Sunday morning. I was walking in the dark due to the need to get back for live streaming of mass. Suddenly I was aware of my shadow cast by a street light. My shadow kept changing directions as I passed the lamp posts. so it was not so much a directional help but a reminder of an old tale about the Holy Shadow. It is the story of a man who is so good that the angels ask God to give him the gift of miracles. God wisely tells them to ask him if that is what he would wish. So the angels visit this good man and offer him first the gift of healing by hands, then the gift of conversion of souls, and lastly the gift of virtue. He refuses them all. They insist that he choose a gift or they will choose one for him. Angels can be pushy. “Very well,” he replies, “I ask that I may do a great deal of good without ever knowing it.”

The angels were perplexed; they took counsel and resolved upon the following plan. Every time the man’s shadow fell on someone it would have the power to cure disease, soothe pain, and comfort sorrow. The man went about his daily life diffusing virtue without ever being aware of it. People just followed in the man’s shadow, for there they found joy returned and the world seemed to come alive with beauty. He became known simply as the Holy Shadow.

Often we use the phrase “cast a shadow over something” to mean to spoil a good situation with something unpleasant. The event or circumstance makes people sad, shocked, and upset. During these days think of the power your shadow might cast on those whom it touches, and be the Holy Shadow. A small gesture, a call of encouragement, an email or text to someone might be all that is necessary to bring the joy of the Holy Shadow to the world.

In Faith, Hope, and Love I continue to walk following my shadow. (Yes, I know that means I walk in circles.)

Your Wandering Pastor, Fr. Dave