Father Jack Kolodziej, OSFS, with his dad, John, and sisters (left to right) Donna, Maureen and Ellen celebrating John’s 80th.
Milestone birthdays are always special and celebrated with a little extra excitement. This past Sunday my family pulled out all the stops as we came together for my dad’s 80th birthday. My dad always told us that Father’s Day and his birthday are his favorite days, so we had a big party to commemorate this important event in his life.
As we smiled, laughed and enjoyed the celebration, I was thinking of the Gospel that was proclaimed throughout the church that morning at Sunday Mass. Jesus spoke of earthquakes, plagues, wars, injustice, misery and violence – not the type of message that I would choose to kick off a party.
Yet, as I reflected on how the Scriptures spoke to me that day, it was a reminder that in the midst of death and destruction there will always be love and life. Like anyone who has reached 80 years on this earth, my dad’s own journey has seen many moments of sadness and loss, but there was (and is) lots of joy, love and grace.
Life shows us that there will always be something to love; the world is full of things to love! A lifetime is not long enough for the loving. In the Bible, Saint Paul tells us that “where sin increased, grace abounded all the more, so that as sin reigned in death, grace might also reign through righteousness leading to eternal life through Jesus Christ” (Romans 5:20–21).
Father Jack Kolodziej, OSFS, with his dad, John
Our gathering last week was not only a chance to show our appreciation for my dad but an opportunity to celebrate life and love. Saint Francis de Sales summarizes this attitude when he taught us to live in the present moment. I pray that God continues to bless my father with good health, longevity and the grace to live each day well. I pray all our days will be filled with the strong bond of family, faith and love.
Reverend Jack Kolodziej, OSFS
Provincial
Wilmington-Philadelphia Providence
