The Visitation Revisited

Have you noticed in recent times the creative and often elaborate ways in which couples will announce that they are expecting a child? Revealing the gender of the child has even become a ceremonious occasion in our time. But why not?! This is truly a momentous event in the lives of all involved!

"Ice, Ice...Baby"

The announcement of the pregnancy inaugurates nine months of frenzied activity and the formation of a new way of life. From my own observations, there seems to be a certain glow as a woman carries and nurtures the new life within her womb. These expectant mothers become naturally and incredibly selfless, seeking the best for this child who, through the mystery of science and nature, grows and develops within her. Fathers are often filled with pride (and nervousness) as they wait in expectation for the birth of the child. Nurseries are painted; cribs and high chairs are erected; doctor appointments are scheduled; potential names are picked; family and friends buzz about with anticipation.

Perhaps this is why the Visitation between the Virgin Maria and her relative Elizabeth resonates within the Christian imagination. To some extent, we all know the joy and the anxiety that follows the announcement of a pregnancy. Both Maria and Elizabeth experienced difficult and quite unusual pregnancies. Certainly, there were great physical and societal risks involved in each woman's pregnancy. One was young and unmarried, the other older and past child-bearing years. 

The Visitation of the Virgin Maria and Elizabeth

Yet, Maria and Elizabeth both shared a certain solidarity together, rooted ultimately in their faith in God. They trusted that it was God who had guided them to this point their lives. Each woman believed that God would work through them to accomplish God's salvific purpose. It was God who worked through these "lowly" women of Nazareth and Judah, through the ordinariness of their lives -now made extraordinary. This was the same God, Maria professed, who would work to overcome injustice and show mercy by raising up the poor and the lowly (read Maria's Canticle in Luke 1:46-55 here: http://www.usccb.org/bible/luke/1).

The visitation brought together these two incredible women of faith. Together, Maria and Elizabeth trusted that God was at work in the world and in their very lives. This is the model of humility and faith that all of us are called to strive towards. Indeed, with faith and the glimmer of hope, the Virgin Maria sings out: "My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my savior, for He has done great things for me. And holy is God's Name!"

God makes the ordinary into the extraordinary. Our expectations are shattered and a new vision for our life is rebuilt in its place. Words of justice, mercy, and love flow from the embrace of two relatives in a dusty Judean town. It's amazing what the announcement of a pregnancy can do! 

Priesthood Ordination: "It's not about you..."

Yesterday at 10 a.m., two of my brother seminarians, Michael Drevitch and Joe Mosley, were ordained to serve the People of God in the Diocese of Scranton as priests. This exciting and grace-filled weekend included many powerful moments, words, and gestures.

For me, the most powerful words of exhortation came from the prayer vigil on Friday, the night before the priestly ordinations. Msgr. David Bohr, the diocesan secretary for clergy formation, offered words of reflection to those gathered at the evening prayer held in the chapel at the diocesan pastoral center.

The Laying on of Hands during the Rite of Ordination

Msgr. Bohr ended by reminding all of us, especially Joe and Michael, that our task is not to bring Jesus Christ to the world: "Jesus is already present in our world - through the Incarnation. In fact, Jesus, who is the Word of God, has been present since the very beginning. So we do not need to bring him; he is already present. Instead, our task is to point out where Jesus is, to lead others to discover the presence of Christ in their lives."

Among the many other important and powerful words spoken was the homily given by Bishop Bambera at Saturday's ordination liturgy. Two particular lines stood out to me as so vital and important for all Christians, especially for those preparing for ministry. The bishop began his homily by recounting the celebration of his own twenty-fifth anniversary of priesthood held several years ago. Amidst all the planning of liturgies and parties, a wise priest reminded then-Father Bambera: "Remember, Joe, it's not about you...this must all be about Jesus Christ!"

Jesus Christ: the Word of God

The life, mission, and example of Jesus Christ must be at the center of all ministry, both lay and ordained. All who minister in the name of Jesus are to be compassionate, loving, and filled with that same forgiveness and mercy that marked the ministry of Christ. The bishop ended his ordination homily by reminding Michael and Joe that in all they do, particularly in their sacramental ministry of reconciliation, they are to be abundantly merciful like Christ.

The bishop quoted Pope Francis to make this point: "Never tire of being merciful! Have the ability to forgive as the Lord had! And if you have any scruples about being too 'forgiving,' go pray before the tabernacle and say, "Lord, pardon me if I have forgiven too much, but it is you who have set for me the example!" 

Spending Some Time in East Stroudsburg

It's been awhile (ten months to be exact) since I've written and uploaded any new blog posts. However, as I begin my pastoral year assignment at St. Matthew's Parish in East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, I realize that I will have more time on my hands to commit to thinking, reflecting, praying, writing, and blogging! So here we go once again...

These past ten months included amazing moments: attending a papal mass in Washington, D.C., participating in the wedding of good friends in Chicago, being on silent retreat with the Jesuits in Wernersville, going to an ordination in Altoona, and taking a brief, but much needed vacation in Vero Beach.

St. Matthew's Parish in East Stroudsburg, PA

While these moments were quite extraordinary, most of my time was actually spent in the normal (perhaps even somewhat mundane) cycles and schedules of classes, meetings, pastoral obligations, and "downtime." As I review this past year at St. Mary's Seminary in Baltimore, I recognize that most of my time has been blessed with both the extraordinary and the mundane rhythms of life. It seems that life is filled with the bustle of excitement and activity as well as the boredom of quiet inactivity.

I hope during this pastoral year at St. Matthew's Parish that I am able to become more comfortable with this normal cyclical rhythm of life. There will certainly be moments of busyness and movement. However, I also know that there will be times of listlessness and monotony. Yet, if I am open to this reality of life, then I just might be able to see that God indeed works in all moments of life.

God's gentle whisper can be heard and God's loving activity can be seen amidst the chaos as well as the stillness of life. I just need the ears of faith to listen and the eyes of faith to see and believe!