Yesterday was the Feast of St. Joseph, a favorite of mine. Joseph was a carpenter; no more needs to be said. Joseph who never said a word in Scripture taught us a great lesson. Joseph had a dream, and it was there that he learned what God was calling him to be. God was entrusting to Joseph God’s own dream, His dream to save His people. God was entrusting to Joseph His own Son, Jesus, who came to save us. The fulfillment of this dream would come when Jesus embraced the cross and went to His death to show God’s love for us.

The cross is a terrible and painful way of death, and some do not understand how we people of faith look to it as a sign of faith, hope, and love. It is because we take comfort in the cross that we know the extent of God’s desire to be with us, that His love embraced the cross so we might live.

A couple of days ago I mentioned the “comfort cross” I carry each day as I walk between St. Charles and St. Matthias. I received a second one from parishioner Phil to give to Archbishop Niederauer, who in his final days was confined to Nazareth House in San Rafael. The Archbishop held it often in those days as a constant reminder of the extent of God’s love for him. On the day the Archbishop died, his caregivers and those around him at the time sent me the photo you see with this article. Clasped in the Archbishop’s hands is the cross. The journey he had begun at the beginning of his life had now reached his destination; he was home.

The cross of confinement we carry today is a real one and it is hard. It is heavy; there is no denying that. But how we embrace and hold this cross says who we are as a people of FAITH, HOPE, and LOVE.

May you hold fast to the “Comfort Cross” of this difficult time. I realize this is a more contemplative reflection than my previous posts. Joseph who never said a word in Scripture taught us a great lesson, something the pastor should take to heart, say less, listen more.

Fr. Dave

Feast of St. Joseph – What I Miss…

March 19, 2020

I have heard the comment, “What I missed during this time, _______ .“ (fill in the blank). Think of what it will be like when once again we can meet, when some sense of normalcy returns.

Yesterday I came face-to-face on what I miss. I stood on top of the stair landing calling down to one of our young students, her dad, and the dog. This young lady’s smile can light up the world, and it was then I realized: I miss the young ones. If you would be so kind to humor once again my song selection, this one from George Strait, “I Saw God Today.”

I’ve been to church, I’ve read the book

I know He’s here, but I don’t look near as often as I should.

Yeah I know I should.

His fingerprints are everywhere

I just look down and stop and stare, open my eyes and then I swear

I SAW GOD TODAY

At the school there are times, too infrequent to tell the truth, when I can go up on the playground and spend time with the students. The little ones and I have a game on the playground structure in which I try to stop their coming down the slide. They use all sorts of methods and gimmicks to try and pass by successfully. It is their triumph in fooling father, the look of pure happiness in their eyes, the laughter in their voices, that leap of joy that I miss the most.

I have to believe that laughter, that joy must be the expression on God’s face when He looks upon you and me. Where else would such beauty come from if not from the one who created us in His own very image. Yes, there is a great deal we miss but one very important part of our lives that remains: God is here today. “Just stop and stare and then you will swear, YOU SAW GOD TODAY!”

Please continue to keep our healthcare workers, the first responders, those working to stem the spread or find a cure in your prayers today. Also, our elderly: they have given us a great gift, a lesson we should take to heart. Many live alone, have understood isolation and solitude, and yet give us an example of how to live each day. So many seniors in their homes or in care homes are even more secluded NOW for their protection. Let us not forget their example of faith, hope, and love.

The Wandering Padre

Fr. Dave

The Cross I Carry

On my morning walk between the churches of St. Charles and St. Matthias I carry two crosses. One is the cross given to me by my father (more on that later), the other a small comfort cross carried on my pilgrimages. This cross was made by Phil, a parishioner. During pilgrimage hikes this cross is normally in my pocket although it is made and its purpose is to cradle in one’s hand. This is because hiking poles are often in use. But on these morning walks poles are not needed and I can carry the cross.

By accident I discovered a wonderful gift with the cross in my hand. I carry it in my right hand as it seems to nestle there quite nicely. When I meet someone my natural instinct is to reach out to greet them but the cross reminds me of the need presently for social distancing. When someone drives by and recognizes me, usually tooting the horn, I once again instinctively raise my hand in a wave. Such a small object made with care and love cradled in my hand being raised as if imparting a blessing. The presence of our Lord is ever with us, but especially in these trying times.

I have been asked when the churches are open and I am trying to keep to a schedule of opening St. Charles by 7:00 a.m. and then start the walk through the neighborhoods to open St. Matthias before 8:00 a.m. They stay open until at least 4:00 p.m. as it is a little harder to plan late afternoon. Hand sanitizer is right inside the door to use, so please keep safe. I and some brave souls continue to try and put the daily mass online but no promises as we work through some issues.

If you see me walking by give out a shout so I may raise my hand in prayer and blessing.

In faith, hope, and love, your Wandering Padre.

Fr. Dave

P.S. Attempts are being made to livestream daily Mass tonight at 5:00 pm via St. Charles Parish Facebook page.