Recreation for Renewed Reflection

Father Marty Lukas, OSFS and Father Jack Loughran, OSFS, with Steve Fox.

My secrets out!  I've been caught.  Last week I was on a Zoom conference with several other Oblates, and not wanting my location to distract from the business at hand, I did my best to disguise it.  Then, in the middle of the meeting, one of the participants said, "Jack, is that a palm tree outside that window behind you?"

It was, and my attempt to conceal the fact that I was at a resort in Cancun was foiled.  I couldn't convince them that palm trees do grow in Michigan.  And, of course, once I admitted where I was, I got a bit of grief from the guys stuck in the cold and snow of Michigan and Ohio.  "Must be nice!"  "Aren't you special?"  "Wish I could get away in the middle of winter."  I took the expected ribbing in the spirit of fun in which it was expressed.

My classmate, Father Marty Lukas, OSFS, and I have been traveling to Cancun with friends, Steve and Mary Fox, who own a number of time-share weeks at a beautiful beach resort, for over 20 years.  It is beautiful, especially in February when the sun and 84 degrees beat the pants off frigid Michigan.

I am a bit sheepish about having such a wonderful and extravagant vacation.  But, upon reading the following from the Introduction to the Devout Life by Saint Francis de Sales, I claim the wisdom of this Doctor of the Church!

Francis states in his classic work:

“It is sometimes necessary for us to relax both mind and body by some kind of recreation.  As Cassian relates; When a hunter one day found Saint John the Evangelist holding a partridge in his hand and stroking it by way of amusement, he asked how a man like him could spend time on so common and trivial a thing.  Saint John replied to him, ‘Why don’t you always carry your bow taut?’

“‘If it were always bent I’m afraid it would lose its spring and be useless when I needed it,’ the hunter answered. 

“To this, the apostle replied, ‘Don’t be surprised then if I sometimes relax my close application and attention of mind a bit and enjoy a little recreation so that I may afterwards apply myself fervently to contemplation.’ It is undoubtedly a defect to be so strict, ill-bred, uncouth and austere as to neither to take any recreation ourselves nor to allow it to others …It is the common prudence that gives due order, time, place and measure to all things.”

Some more wisdom from Saint Francis de Sales that serves body, mind and spirit.  I love it.

Father Jack Loughran, OSFS

Provincial

Toledo-Detroit Province

A Salesian Spirituality of Imperfection

As human beings we are more alike than we are different.  One characteristic we all share is that each of us, at some point in our lives, has made a mistake and, despite our good will and intentions, will probably continue to make them.

Saint Francis de Sales was aware of this.  In fact, he said that the spiritual life itself is comprised largely of mistakes because it is in our mistakes that we realize our own humanity, our own limits, and our need for God.  He writes, “We must never be astonished at finding ourselves imperfect…because there is no cure for it.”  Saint Francis asks us to acknowledge something we’d often rather avoid; namely, that as humans we are not, and will not be, perfect.  Instead, we must ask ourselves how we respond to our mistakes. 

Do we:

• Take the time to learn from them or dismiss them?

• Take responsibility when it is our fault or blame others?

• Do we work to correct it or resort to self-pity?

• Are we honest and accountable or do we play the victim?

Finally, Saint Francis also reminds us that after every mistake there is one thing we must do: pick ourselves up and continue moving forward as Jesus did when carrying the cross to Calvary.  During that walk Jesus was physically battered, emotionally drained, and going through physical upheaval.  Yet, after each fall, Jesus picked Himself up and continued going forward and persevered until He reached His destination.  How did He do it?  First, Jesus was supported through His prayer, His constant communication with the Father who loved Him and was with Him during His suffering.  Second, Jesus was supported by His friends who met Him on the way like His mother Mary, Mary Magdalene and the Beloved Disciple, John. 

Sometimes we can feel this way too: like we are carrying the weight of the world as we go through our days.  And the tools that Jesus used, prayer and friendship, we ought to use too.  By prayer we share our most intimate needs, desires, hopes, dreams and fears with God.  We ask God to be with us on the way.  And in friendship, we become closer to the people who will walk with us during our successes and our mistakes. 

When it comes to rising from our mistakes, let’s: 

• Recognize our mistakes (our imperfections)

• Take responsibility for their consequences

• Pray & patiently try to change ourselves to avoid making them

• Tell others what we are doing

• Persevere in making the needed adjustments as we try and try again

As Saint Francis advises, “Perfection consists in fighting against our imperfections…In this enterprise, we must have courage and patience…in this…we are always victorious provided we are willing to fight.”  In other words, we fail only when we fall and decide to remain down.  We are perfect when we fall and then rise again, trusting in God’s love and mercy, and determined to change and do better.

May God be praised!

Father Michael Newman, OSFS

Pastor

Holy Family Parish, Adrian, MI

A Saint for Our Times

This past week, on January 24, the entire Salesian family, including the Oblates, celebrated the Feast of Saint Francis de Sales.  As our patron, all Oblates revere his goodness, faith and insights into the human heart, intelligence, the prolific body of written material on the devout life and his selflessness in caring for the spiritual journey of thousands and thousands of people.  

One of the traps of honoring any saint, though, is that we may find it easier to admire them than to imitate them.  Their lives and circumstances seem so removed from our own that we quickly distance ourselves from them.  Simone Weil,  a French philosopher, thoughtfully wrote, "It is not enough to merely have saints; we must have saints for our times."

While I agree with Simone Weil's insight, I believe Saint Francis de Sales IS a saint for our times, even though he died over 400 years ago.  One example of his relevance is a sobriquet attached to Saint Francis de Sales in the title, the Gentleman Saint.  It does not come from his position in society as a nobleman but his profound belief in the power of Christ's words in the gospel, "Learn from me, for I am gentle and humble of heart."  Our patron believed the gentleness of Christ was the way not only for social interchange but also the way to confront conflict, violence and evil. 

Throughout his life, Saint Francis de Sales was immersed in a Catholic community grappling with the Protestant Reformation and the violent religious wars that resulted.  He was attracted to a group named the Acarie Circle, a Catholic group who desired to rekindle devotion to the Catholic faith in France.  Some members of the Acarie Circle proposed a militant vision that sanctioned the use of force and violence to accomplish this goal.  Saint Francis de Sales, while cordial and respectful of the Acarie Circle, was not attracted to this method.  Instead of a vision of coercion and force, he embraced the gentleness of Christ as the way to lead others to devotion and a relationship with God. 

In this belief, he developed a theology of non-violence seen in the first sermon he gave at his induction as Provost of the Cathedral Chapter in the Diocese of Geneva. Saint Francis de Sales  wrote, “It will be by charity that the walls of Geneva must be shaken; by charity that the city must be invaded and by charity that it must be recovered.  I propose to you neither iron nor powder whose odor and taste call to mind the infernal furnace.  I am not forming one of those armies who soldiers have neither faith nor piety.  May our camp be the camp of God whose trumpets proclaim with accents all of gentleness, this song, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God of armies.  It is on this camp that you must fix your gaze...we will conquer only with prayer and love."

Violence is an overwhelming presence in our lives.  It impacts almost every facet of  our world and society, graphically illustrated by the horrific fact that in the first 24 days of 2023, there have been over 40 mass shootings in the United States.  Indeed, fear dominates as a response to this reality, and often, fear itself leads to violence.

The words of Christ that prompted Saint Francis de Sales to choose gentleness over violence must be rooted in every heart of faith.  As we cope with our world's disdain for peace, let us pray for peace and embrace a gentle heart and a gentle way to confront sin and violence in the spirit of Christ and the example of Saint Francis de Sales. 

Father Jack Loughran, OSFS

Provincial

Toledo-Detroit Province

Be the Light of Christ

Today is World Day for Consecrated Life, and US parishes will mark it this weekend. Begun in 1997 by Pope John Paul II, the commemoration is intended “to help the entire Church to esteem ever more greatly the witness of those persons who has chosen to follow Christ by means of the evangelical counsels” - poverty, chastity, obedience - and “to be a suitable occasion for consecrated persons to renew their commitment and rekindle the fervor which should inspire their offering of themselves to the Lord” (John Paul, 1997).

The pope selected the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord for this event. This feast is known as Candlemas Day, when the church blesses all of the candles to be used in the year in parishes, homes, and places of worship. All disciples, by virtue of our baptism, are called to be the light of Christ. Our tradition teaches us that vowed religious life is an intensification of the baptismal call to live Jesus.

As the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales profess these vows, we look forward to this day which coincides with the anniversary of the death of our founder, Blessed Louis Brisson, OSFS. His exhortation that we “reprint the Gospel” with our lives is an appropriate reminder for all of us, whether in religious, married, or the single life. Just as a small candle is lighted from the large paschal candle at every baptism, our lives are meant to be a flame of faith, hope and love to join with all the flames flickering throughout the world to set it ablaze with the love, peace and joy of Jesus.

Yes, this weekend we will have an opportunity to pray for those sisters, brothers and priests whose poverty, chastity and obedience inspired, taught, or animated us to be stronger and more faith-filled disciples. We also pray that each of us cooperates with the grace to deepen our commitment and renew the fervor of our own baptism for a world in great need of our light, which is the light of Christ.

Prayer for Consecrated Life

O God, throughout the ages you have called women and men to pursue lives of perfect charity through the evangelical counsels of poverty, chastity, and obedience. We give you thanks for these courageous witnesses of Faith and models of inspiration. Their pursuit of holy lives teaches us to make a more perfect offering of ourselves to you. Continue to enrich your Church by calling forth sons and daughters who, having found the pearl of great price, treasure the Kingdom of Heaven above all things. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever.

Amen.

Father Michael Murray, OSFS

Provincial Councilor, Wilmington-Philadelphia Province

Parochial Vicar, St. John Neumann Parish, Reston, VA

You Are Not the Center of Anything, Except...

Father Bob Bazzoli, OSFS, and I were ordained together on June 4th some 34 years ago. His parents and my mom (my dad died too early) would often go out to dinner on Saturday nights when Bob was at St. Joachim Parish and I at Salesianum School. One Saturday, his sisters were interlopers and joined us for dinner on June 4th.

Naturally, I thought we were celebrating the anniversary. When I realized we were celebrating his mom’s birthday, I explained my surprise (I never remembered her birthday) to which one of his sisters exclaimed (jokingly, I hope), “It’s not always about you, John.” Honest mistake.

There are times when we want things to be about us, our way, our idea, and our plan. We feign openness to another’s idea, but we really want them to affirm us, perhaps “pat us on the back.” We may not own up to this, as we perceive others constantly seeking attention, wanting to be the queen of the universe, the king of the world. At times, we may think we are the center of everything.

While driving a few Sundays ago, I was listening to a lecture (I’m a geek) on Richard Rohr’s idea of our first half of life (building a name, career, credentials) and the second half of life (soul-centered not ego-centered). I cannot remember the exact context, but it probably had to do with stop reaching for this award or that accolade. He simply proclaimed, “You’re not the center of anything, except the heart of God.”

We, you, I are at the CENTER of God’s heart. In that pulsating, life-giving heart of God, we can be found. We marvel at God’s creative action in all the wonders God created, none greater than the human person who possesses God’s very likeness and image. Of all the beauty in this world, the only thing God wants back is us! We come from God and spend our lives returning to God.

We are the CENTER of God’s heart. From this cherished position, God invites us daily into relationship. We are always in the presence of God. We may leave God’s presence for this want or some fleeting, selfish desire, but God remains waiting, smiling, and loving us. Saint Augustine spoke of this tiny “God-shaped hole,” a place inside our hearts that only God can fill. In another place he wrote, “You have made us for yourself and our hearts are restless until they rest in you, O Lord.” To realize that “the one who nothing greater can be imagined,” as Saint Anselm proclaimed, has us as the CENTER of his heart is absolutely incredible. Stay with this for some time. If we resonate with this, humbly accept this gift, live our life from this acknowledgment, I would think our desire to be the center of anything else is meaningless or at least pales in comparison. It leads us to a “letting go” of what we thought mattered to a “falling into” the LOVER known as God who keeps us at the CENTER of His heart. It allows us to see that everyone else enjoys this gift. Then, we can appreciate the dignity of others, all others, no one excluded. But God loving us and we loving God is not enough. Saint Francis de Sales explains that the true nature of love is to be ecstatic, to go outside the two lovers, to a third thing which is each other.

We are the CENTER of God’s heart. Own this and let it empower you to embrace the other as God’s center, too. Let go of the differences that too often alienate, judge, demonize, assure us of being right and just loved. God’s love is infinite and always available. Saint Catherine of Siena had it correct, God is pazzo d’amore, crazy in love with us. To borrow from Prince, “Let’s go crazy, too.” For when we love, we are God-like for GOD IS LOVE.

Father John Fisher, OSFS

Pastor, Our Mother of Consolation Parish

Philadelphia, PA

Live Jesus! Virginia 2023

Morning of Lenten Reflection & Renewal through the lens of Salesian Spirituality

Live Jesus! 2023 is a half-day Lenten morning sponsored by the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales. The reflection, fellowship, and prayer are based upon the humble and gentle spirituality of Saints Francis de Sales and Jane de Chantal.

Artwork by Brother Mickey McGrath, OSFS

"Be At Peace," is this year's theme. Attendees are invited to reflect on the many paths to peace.

Saint Francis de Sales tells us, “Inside each of us is a beautiful garden. We need to cultivate and prune it in order to give glory to God and be of service to others. Let us daily do this in peace, and thus experience the peace that only God can give.” Don't miss this opportunity to gather in prayer and fellowship to reflect on the peace that only God can provide.

Why Should I Attend Live Jesus!?

Salesian  Spirituality helps believers develop a deeper relationship with God through Jesus by defining a lifestyle centered on the little virtues: gentleness,  humility,  patience,  gratitude,  perseverance, and simplicity.  This special event is an opportunity in Lent to retreat from our fast-paced world and turn to the quietness of our hearts.  

SATURDAY, MARCH 18, 2023

St. Paul VI Catholic High School, Chantilly, VA

8:00 AM Continental Breakfast

9:00 AM Welcome/Opening Prayer

9:15 AM Keynote Presentation

“Be At Peace” - Brother Mickey McGrath, OSFS

“Crooked Paths to Peace” - Sister Susan Louise Eder, OSFS

“Finding Peace Amidst Everyday Busyness” - Tom Opfer, Ph.D.

11:30 AM Celebration of the Holy Eucharist

Is This Who We've Waited For?

“Follow the star to a place unexpected

Would you believe, after all we've projected

A child in a manger?

Lowly and small, the weakest of all

Unlikeliest hero, wrapped in his mother's shawl

Just a child

Is this who we've waited for?”

These are the opening words of the song “How Many Kings,” written by Jason Germain and Marc Martel of the Christian Rock group known as Downhere.  The song presents the discovery of the infant Jesus as a surprising revelation.  Where is the king?  Where is the mighty warrior?  What am I doing here and why did I make the effort to find Him if this is all there is?  But this is precisely the point; there is more to come, a lot more.  The light of the star only opened the mind of the Magi; it is up to them to open their eyes and see with faith the wonder of God in their midst.

The light of the Star of Bethlehem is symbolic of God’s inspiration that awakens our minds and enlivens our hearts.  In Book 2, chapter 9 of the Treatise on the Love of God, Saint Francis de Sales writes, “Inspiration comes down from heaven like an angel.  It strikes straightway on the poor sinner’s heart and arouses him so that he is lifted up out of his iniquity.”  God always makes the first move, inviting us to find and love Him.  We sense it as “stirrings” within us, writes DeSales.  It doesn’t come with the exigency of a trumpet blast, but simply and gently as a newborn reaching for us, stimulating a flutter in our stomachs and smiles on our faces.

Is this what we have waited for?  A small baby and gentle stirrings?  Not only would Saint Francis de Sales answer in the affirmative, but I also think he would say that it is essential because it allows for a voluntary reception of God’s grace.  Grace will never overwhelm or coerce us.  If we are to love God, we must remain free to choose to accept or reject His inspiration to love and to place our faith in His son born lowly and small.

Is this who we have waited for?  The only way to get a personally convincing answer to this question is to respond to the “stirrings” that God’s inspiration implants within us.  When the Magi returned home, did they leave God’s inspiration behind?  Did their brief encounter open their eyes of faith so they could see that they had to continue to follow the star, the inspiration of God, for the rest of their lives?  What about us?  God’s stirrings are within us, right now, in fact.  Those stirrings lead us to God’s son.  It is up to us to open our eyes in faith and see the one we have waited for is indeed in our midst!

Father Robert Rutledge, OSFS

Holy Infant Catholic Church

Durham, NC

Everything Pertains to Love

Those who follow and seek to immerse themselves in the spirituality of Saint Francis de Sales received a gift from Pope Francis on December 28, 2022.  On that date, Pope Francis published the Apostolic Letter, Totum Amoris Est, (Everything Pertains to Love) on the fourth centenary of the death of Saint Francis de Sales. 

In sending this Letter to the Oblates around the world, our Superior General, Father Barry Strong, OSFS, wrote:

“At his Wednesday General Audience, Pope Francis reflected on the mystery of Christ’s birth and continually drew inspiration from Saint Francis de Sales. During this period of catechesis, he noted that the manger teaches us ‘the perfect renunciation of all goods’ since such a rustic crib combines ‘tenderness and austerity, love and sorrow, sweetness and harshness.’”

Within this context, he (Pope Francis) announced the Apostolic Letter. He remarked, “It is entitled, ‘Everything Pertains to Love,’ taking up a characteristic expression of the holy bishop of Geneva.  In fact, this is how he wrote in the Treatise on the Love of God, ‘In the holy Church everything belongs to love, lives in love, is made by love and comes from love.’ And may we all go down this road of love, so beautiful.”

Having read the document, I know I will have to review it many times to reap the fullness of what Saint Francis de Sales and Pope Francis wrote.  I found the Letter both inspirational and practical in that the insights of Saint Francis de Sales can lead every soul into a healthy, nourishing relationship with God, allowing them to become living expressions of the Love of God in the world. 

A learned Oblate finished reading the Letter and commented, “I have a favorite section from the Letter.  It is, ‘For him, (Saint Francis), Christianity was not to be confused with a facile escapism or self-absorption, much less a dull and dreary obedience…Indeed, ‘there are Christians whose lives seem like Lent without Easter’, and while we can understand the grief of people who have to endure great suffering, ‘slowly but surely we all have to let the joy of faith begin to revive as a quiet yet firm trust, even amid the greatest distress.’”

A friend from Denver, a liturgist, musician and author, wrote me stating, “My favorite line of the document is this, attributed to Saint Francis de Sales, ‘Nothing sways the human heart as much as love.’ That’s a meditation all in itself.”

There is so much to reflect upon in the Pope’s Letter that I’m sure others will share their reflections in the coming months.  If you’re interested in reading it, you can find it here.

I read the entire document in one sitting.  Now I’m going to return to it one section at a time.  I’m sure it will inspire future reflections from me in this newsletter.  I’d love to read yours. 

Father Jack Loughran, OSFS

Provincial

Toledo-Detroit Province

Repetition for Mastery

In an address to the early Oblates, on December 12, 1894, Oblate Founder Blessed Louis Brisson shared his dismay at the news that several seminarians from the Diocese of Troyes who had chosen to go to Paris for ordination spent more time organizing and celebrating their post-ordination dinner and visiting places of interest in the capital city than they did in properly preparing for and celebrating their ordination itself.

In light of that, Father Brisson then directed that once a year the Ritual for Ordination was to be read aloud in the refectory during the meal.

Author Samuel Rodenhizer says, “If you want to remember something permanently, you must engage in lots of repetition…If you want to become accomplished at a skill, then you must devote yourself to repeating the activity over and over until you master it…If you want to make an activity so familiar that it becomes a habit requiring little further thought - then commit yourself to the repetition that yields retention.”

Oblates and Visitation Nuns around the world rejoice on the day of their Profession of Vows by publicly, aloud, pronouncing them again on the Feast of the Presentation of Mary on November 21.  The Oblates are also encouraged to renew their vows silently at Communion time on the first day of every month.  Every Easter Sunday all of us are invited to renew our baptismal vows aloud after the homily.

As wonderful as the day of Profession of Vows or Ordination or Marriage is, the emotion of the moment can cover the importance of the event.  My parents lived long enough to celebrate their golden wedding anniversary with a simple but loving public renewal of vows at Mass.  After the Mass, my mother said to me how much she appreciated the renewal.  She said, “You know the day your father and I were married I had so much going through my head I don’t even remember exactly what I said!”

While we draw up a final list of resolutions for the New Year you may want to check the dates and put on your new calendar the date of your Baptism, your First Holy Communion, your Wedding, Profession of Vows or Consecration anniversary and similar very special days in your life. And, on that day renew again for the year to come the commitment made through these very special events in your life. That way, regardless of the “external” celebrations, or lack thereof that may take place, the true nature of these special moments in your life may never be forgotten or misplaced.    

Father David Whalen, OSFS

St. Pius X Parish

Toledo, OH

Christmas

Many things make me smile during the holidays.  One is a memory of a nephew when he was about 6 years old.  A few days before Christmas, I was visiting his family with my parents.  My nephew was sitting in a chair in the living room corner, obviously pondering something.  He was naturally one of those  kids who never stopped moving, so his posture and mood were out of character.  I was looking at him, wondering what was going on in his head, when suddenly he popped out of the chair and announced to the room, “I hate Christmas!”  Asked why he hated Christmas, he stated, “Because it’s never gonna get here!”  His Advent “patient waiting” had reached its limit but he certainly brought a smile to my face.  

In 2012, Father Louis Fiorelli, OSFS, published a short booklet, “Inspired Common Sense: Seven Fundamental Themes of Salesian Spirituality.”  In this booklet, he states, “Saint  Francis de Sales understood the Incarnation as ‘God’s kiss to creation,’ the moment in salvation history when the divine and human hearts, at last, find one another.”

This image is a beautiful one to consider as we celebrate the birth of Christ this Sunday.  The moment of Christ’s birth, marked by dreams, angels, sheep, shepherds and a child in a manger, joins the miraculous with the mundane.  We should all smile at this thought and we do so with lights everywhere.  We light things up to celebrate this fantastic moment - trees, homes, bridges, skyscrapers, zoos, churches and more.  Local and national competitions reward the country’s most elaborate light displays.  Even the Oblate pastor I live with has set up seven Christmas trees in our home.  Why?  It seems a bit excessive but then again, maybe not! 

God is part of our history through the Incarnation in a new way.  We are moving toward the full reign of God.  It may take a few eons, but that is where we are headed, so we light things up to proclaim our hope and joy with this gift and smile.  I hope my nephew, now grown and with a child of his own, can instill this hope and joy in his son.  

So we gather at Christmas trees, parties and Christmas dinner tables and smile.  Smile at the world that says no to peace, happiness or justice.  We smile and say, Christ’s birth is the fulfillment of a promise – a promise God made to be with us always and to bring us glory.  And we pledge to live in a way that proclaims this wondrous and beautiful truth.  We pledge to live in love, to work for peace and to seek justice for all of God’s people!

That’s a Merry Christmas! May God bless us all with this gift! Smile!

Father Jack Loughran, OSFS

Provincial

Toledo-Detroit Province

Rome Conference Celebrating the Salesian Jubilee

Salesian Pontifical University (SPU) in Rome.

To commemorate the 400th Anniversary of the death of Saint Francis de Sales, the Salesians of Don Bosco hosted the international conference “Saint Francis de Sales (1567-1622): Posterity – Spirituality – Pedagogy” at the Salesian Pontifical University (SPU) in Rome on November 18-20, 2022.  Organized by the Institute of Spiritual Theology of the Faculty of Theology at the SPU, this gathering included more than 150 in-person participants and numerous people who attended virtually.  As indicated by its title, the convention’s aim was to highlight both the spirituality of Saint Francis de Sales, as evidenced in his vision of the Church and his pedagogical action, and the posterity of the saint, embodied in the various congregations, associations and institutions founded under his patronage.  

Dr. Wendy Wright presenting virtually at the international conference.

With regard to “posterity,” 13 religious institutions under the patronage of Saint Francis de Sales (from among more than thirty such institutes) were invited to give a brief presentation on how the bishop-saint inspired their respective founders and continues to sustain current-day ministries.  Included among these groups, in addition to the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales, were the Visitation of Holy Mary, the Oblate Sisters of St. Francis de Sales, the Salesians of Don Bosco, the Daughters of St. Francis de Sales, and the Missionaries of St. Francis de Sales.  This was certainly a historic moment to have so many religious institutes who draw their charisms from the holy Bishop of Geneva gathered together in one place.  

At the request of the Superior General, Father Barry Strong, OSFS, Father Joe Chorpenning, OSFS, represented the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales and organized his talk around the components of the first article of the Oblate Constitutions which describes the origins and defining characteristics of the congregation.  In particular, he shared with the audience two signature themes for the Oblate Fathers and Brothers as articulated by our founder Blessed Louis Brisson and the “Good Mother” Mary de Sales Chappuis: re-imprinting the Gospel and the sacredness of work.  The various accounts given during this part of the symposium demonstrated many similarities of how the ministry and writings of Saint Francis de Sales motivated the foundation of so many new religious communities, especially during the nineteenth-century “Salesian Pentecost.” 

Salesian Exhibit in the atrium of SPU.

The remainder of the conference included academic papers presented by scholars from around the world on a variety of topics and themes, such as Salesian pedagogy, the preaching of the Savoyard saint, Mariology, and an examination of the bishop’s correspondence with his friend Antoine Favre.  Of note, presenting virtually across a nine-hour time difference, Dr. Wendy Wright spoke on “Francis de Sales and Women,” highlighting the historical context and unique aspects of the saint’s ministry to women.  Accompanying the international conference was an exhibition in the atrium of the SPU which featured rare Salesian books and artwork portraying Saint Francis de Sales, as well as posters displaying information about the founders/foundresses of the twelve religious institutions encountered during the program. 

The event concluded with Solemn Mass for the Feast of Christ the King celebrated by Father Ivo Coelho, SDB, General Councilor of the Salesians of Don Bosco, with Father Barry Strong, OSFS, as one of two principal concelebrants.  Following the liturgy, a festive luncheon with the rector of the SPU and other guests was attended by the Oblates at the symposium which, in addition to Father Joe and Father Barry, were Brother Dan Wisniewski, OSFS, and Father Michael Murray, OSFS. 

Information about the conference, including the schedule, a list of speakers, and English translations of the papers given, can be found at the link here.

Brother Dan Wisniewski, OSFS

Director of Oblate Education

Advent Love

When thinking about joy, I distinguish it from happiness.  Here, too, I want to distinguish love from like.   Because of my own human frailty and temperament, there are some people who I struggle to like.  The situation usually has more to do with me than the other person.  A dear friend once told me that if I like someone, that person can do anything, and it would be fine with me.  But, if I dislike someone, the smallest thing she/he did that I find unacceptable would be catastrophic.  I want to believe that I have improved upon this significantly.  It has often been said that we don’t have to like everyone, but we are called to love everyone.  I think this has something to do with the fact that “love is of God.”

In his remarkable 10-DVD series Catholicism, Robert Barron defines love as “willing the good of the other as other.”  That is wanting what is best for another simple because they are other and not for what it could do for me.  The “good” that I will for him would be to know God more fully, so that his heart would change and the violence cease.  Whether we can see the image and likeness of God in others does not take away this presence within another.  Perhaps our love for another can make this clearer, more recognizable.

We must love because it has been mandated by Jesus.  Further, he takes this love to the highest level, “Love one another as I have loved you.”  This is a love that is total, complete, infinite, without merit, always on display, non-judgmental and a free gift.   We get a clear glimpse of this in spousal love, in parental love, and in the love shared between the best of friends.  Perhaps the best manifestation of this love is in prayer where we sit in total acceptance of the One who smiles on us, seeing us as so deserving of God’s infinite love even when this utterly amazes us.   Richard Rohr wrote, “Most of us were taught that God would love us if and when we change.  In fact, God loves you so that you can change.  What empowers change, what makes you desirous of change is the experience of love.  It is that inherent experience of love that becomes the engine of change.”  We must love because love is of God.  To love as God loves is indeed a very tall order.  We need great patience in this task for we are of God but not God.  So, our love is a process and somewhat imperfect.  Thus, Saint Francis de Sales often reminded people that perfection consists not in being perfect but in trying to be perfect.  It’s all in the trying.  What makes this doable speaks to Rohr’s point by letting God love us first.   For de Sales, this was a no-brainer, especially recognizing his favorite scripture was the Song of Songs, one great love song where the lover woos the beloved.  God takes the initiative because God wants to be with us, embracing us, holding and kissing us, the beloved.  We read in scripture, “See what love the Father has bestowed on us that we may be called the children of God.  Yet so we are.  The reason the world does not recognize us is that it did not know Him.  Beloved, we are God’s children now; what we shall be has not yet been revealed.  We do know that when it is revealed we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is” (1 John 3: 1-2).

Advent love reminds us of this promise yearly that we may fortify our efforts to love others as Christ has loved us.  It enables us to be loved fully and completely, warts and all.  It grounds us in a place of humility before God, so that in Salesian thought, we may be gentle toward others.  We are loved infinitely, so that we may, in turn, wish this for all others.  To love another is to will the good of the other as other.  “To love another person is to see the face of God,” as proclaimed in the epilogue of Les Misérables.

Advent love is a beautiful baby, born homeless in a manger, who shepherds and kings traveled to worship in awe but selected a different way home.  So too, our lives must change direction once we have met the Savior, the Prince of Peace, the author and sustainer of love.  It’s now a life of love.

Father John Fisher, OSFS

Pastor

Our Mother of Consolation Parish

Philadelphia, PA

God’s Presence

I was a surgical intern in 1977 when one of my Oblate first profession classmates from the Battle Creek Novitiate came to visit my wife and me in Philadelphia.  Now a young priest, Father Richard Yost, OSFS, was going to spend the day with me in inner-city Philadelphia.  I had been assigned to an amazing Spanish surgeon whose sons were educated by Oblates, so Jose was excited to have Father Richard along.  The climate in those days was different so the only credential Father Richard needed to scrub into surgery with us was his Roman collar and our assurance he would keep his hands out of harm’s way.

During a break between cases, Father Richard asked how we were able to keep the complicated surgeries orderly and organized.  We asked if he realized we talked over the surgery while we scrubbed our hands but were quiet the last minute or so.  The end of the scrub was for prayer, for the Direction of Intention, and time before surgery to place ourselves in the Presence of the Lord as de Sales calls it.

For lunch we had Philly Cheesesteaks at Pat’s, standing at tables outside with two firemen, dirty and still in their fire gear.  It was just the kind of company Saint Francis would appreciate.  Father Richard talked about how amazed he had been with what we did that morning and the three of us talked about how we were equally amazed at the courage firemen show on a daily basis.  They told us they didn’t feel comfortable entering a burning building without a prayer asking for God’s guidance.  They were not the least bit reticent about telling us their need to be in the Presence of the Lord before fighting a fire.

After lunch Father Richard (in his Roman collar) and I went to make rounds at a couple of hospitals and Jose went to see office patients, the plan being to meet for dinner.  At one of the city hospitals, we saw a patient who had a terrible malignancy on the bottom of her foot.  Although she was Catholic (Agape was her name) she was also a Voodoo priestess, or so we were told by the people who had literally dropped her off when she lost consciousness.  Her tumors had metastasized and surgery prolonged her life but the quality had diminished over the last weeks.  She was in and out of consciousness but was able to communicate to Father Richard that she wanted absolution.  We left the room and went to the nurses’ station to write the progress note.  Not thirty seconds later, Agape’s EKG went flat line and she passed away.  No Code.  Father Richard looked at me and said, “She needed permission to die.”  Once Father Richard gave her absolution and put her comfortably in the Presence of the Lord, her soul was at peace. This was the same comfort the firemen and the surgeons felt that day before doing their jobs.

At dinner, the three of us unashamedly talked about how God really is everywhere, and like de Sales says, all we have to do is put ourselves in His presence by asking for such and how it doesn’t matter what our station in life is. He will help us be who we are and be that well.  Priest, fireman or surgeon, people depend on us to be in God’s Presence and share ourselves with them if we are spiritually fit.  That day there were five people who were happy to share that.

Rod Tomczak, MD, EdD

Retired, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery

The Ohio State University

Advent Joy

I do not know a person who does not want to be happy.  After all, who wants to be sad or miserable? At the same time, we recognize that we cannot always be happy.  Happiness is a feeling that can easily be fleeting.  It can also be taken away by another person or situation.

Joy is entirely different.  Joy is that deep-seated conviction that you are in a profound relationship with the Other and all others.  It is that assurance that you are not alone, that you are deeply cared for, accepted and loved.  It is liberating in that there is no proving to do, just a dwelling in being valued and cherished.  Joy centers, guides and grounds another regardless of the situation.  

Joy is always reachable and equally enjoyable alone or in the company of those who are the source of this joy.  Philly fans were greatly surprised and pleased that the Phillies surpassed all expectations in making it to the World Series.  Whether you were one of the 43,000 watching them win the National League pennant at Citizens Bank Park, gathered with others at Xfinity Live or another venue, or watched the game alone from home, the same joy was shared by those watching the Fightins.  From the diehard fan to the recent bandwagon enthusiast, joy connected us, brought us together and resonated within that everything else can be exciting and enjoyable when shared with others.  Joy connected us, gave us a sense of belonging, and another reason to believe that life is good, and we must work together to get along, heal the ills of society and help to build that Kingdom of God such as God envisions it.  

Many things awaken the joy within us whether it be the beautiful smile of a little baby, the innocence of kids playing and enjoying each other running from here to there, your child hitting the buzzer beater in double overtime or the enjoyment realized when lovers silently gaze in the eyes of the other sensing complete acceptance and oneness.  The most difficult aria sung so perfectly, the enjoyment of the most spectacular performance on stage, the full moon lighting up the ocean for miles silently bringing home peace and beauty, the evening sunset complete with hues of many colors that spark thanksgiving for another day in the presence of God, loved ones and friends all bring joy to the fore.  

My heart is alive and full when in the company of nephews and nieces celebrating the holidays, a family wedding and the annual vacation down the shore.  Joy is on display in an unbreakable intimacy that is gifted by God who is the source of all this goodness.  That same joy is profoundly present when alone reflecting on God’s presence especially as it is wonderfully manifested in family, friends and any other relationship we have membership.

Such joy wants to be shared and realized with sisters and brothers we don’t know: those lost on the streets or through addiction, those fleeing family and home for a better life, those displaced by war, our brothers and sisters not recognized for who they are, those denied freedom or what justice demands they should possess.

Advent Joy visits us yearly to remind us that we must work to achieve the peaceable kingdom, beat swords and spears into instruments of productivity, fill in the valleys of poverty and need, make straight the paths for those struggling, look for the desert and parched land exulting, and welcome the God who removes our guilt, comes with recompense, to give sight to the blind, hearing to those deaf, tremendous mobility to the lame who journey to the mountain singing for joy and then to a stable to adore and give homage to the Prince of Peace.

Joy readily sustains us in prayer where we are alone with the Lone to the point we desire more readily the time when this will be forever in heaven.  Likewise, joy empowers us during sadness and sorrow to persevere for we go to that Center who can only love, guide and protect us, who assures us of His presence, that He will never abandon us, and that His will for the world will come to fruition.  

Sitting in that realization, letting it take over, we contemplate the Divine within us and resolve to see that in others, all others and the world.  From that Center, we reinvigorate ourselves that the world has a purpose and our humanity has such tremendous dignity in being co-creators to bring forth the Reign of God until that final consummation, where symphonies are all finished, and when hearts are no longer restless for they are all resting in eternity where our awe will be beyond imagination or comprehension for we see the face of God that always looked upon us with approval, understanding, satisfaction and incomparable JOY.

Father John Fisher, OSFS

Pastor

Our Mother of Consolation Parish

Philadelphia, PA

The Immaculate Conception

“Every ‘yes’ is God’s coming into the world.”

My dad retired from the grocery store Kroger’s about 10 years ago after spending almost 45 years working there in the grocery and dairy departments.  After he retired he got bored so he decided to volunteer at our local parish in Toledo, OH. Not long after, the church secretary called him and said, “We have a parishioner in his 40s who has a wife and children.  And he just became a quadriplegic.  He can’t move his arms or legs.  Could you please go visit him once a week, take communion to him, and pray with him?”

My dad asked for some time to think about it.  He talked to my mom about it.  He prayed about it.

And he said, “I knew in my heart that I had to help others.”  And so he said, “yes” and he went to visit this man, and he still visits him to this very day.

As we celebrate the Immaculate Conception today and hear the Gospel of the Annunciation, I keep thinking about the “yes” that my dad said a few years ago and the “yes” that Mary said over 2000 years ago to the angel Gabriel in Nazareth.  Just like Mary, when my dad said “yes” to visiting this man, Christ came into the world.  Every “yes” to God’s call is an incarnation of Jesus Christ.

He takes on flesh (that’s what incarnation means) in our lives through love and service. Saint Francis de Sales called this “Living Jesus.”

Mother Marie de Sales Chappuis, VHM, who taught Salesian Spirituality to Blessed Louis Brisson, OSFS, called it “the Way.”  She said that, when we say “yes” to God’s call, then God re-incarnates Himself into the world in and through us.  Our feet become God’s feet.  Our hands become God’s hands.  We become what Mary is, a “God-bearer” for when we say “yes” to what God asks of us. Christ comes into the world again and again through us.

Today we celebrate the Immaculate Conception of Mary and that she was conceived without Original Sin.  Mary had a privileged role in bringing Jesus into the world. Through our baptism, we too are freed from Original Sin and have a privileged role in bringing Jesus into the world.

And what does Mary do throughout her life? She leads us to Jesus. She says “yes” to the call to welcome Christ into her life and bring him to those who need him in this world.

We, like Mary and my dad, are called to do the same.

May God be praised!

Father Michael Newman, OSFS

Pastor

Holy Family Parish

Adrian, MI

Gentleness

Recently I read the Encyclical of Pope Pius XI on Saint Francis de Sales presented following the 300th anniversary of his death on January 26, 1923.  Pope Francis is to issue a letter to mark the 400th anniversary of the death of Saint Francis on December 28.  

In his encyclical, Pope Pius XI declared Saint Francis the Patron Saint of all Writers.  Pius XI began this work by stating, “The great need of our day is to curb the unmeasured desires of humankind, desires which are the fundamental cause of wars and dissensions, which act, too, as a dissolving force in social life and international relations.”

Don't you find these words strikingly relevant for our world in our day? I won't provide a grocery list of all that makes our world seem at least mildly crazy.  For many of us, finding a way to cope with our world's situation is overwhelming, leaving many with a sense of helplessness and even hopelessness.  

Pius XI identifies a remedy to this heavy burden in the beauty and grace found in the writings and life of Saint Francis de Sales.  The remedy is the virtue of meekness (gentleness), which Francis held as essential for imitating Christ.  By his admission, Francis found this virtue challenging, especially since he admits to a quick temper and ready anger.  Turning our hearts from anger, frustration and annoyance, to gentleness toward our neighbor and ourselves is a tough road.   

Pope Pius XI writes:

“The meekness (gentleness) of Saint Francis should be held up to the faithful in a very special way for their imitation, for this virtue recalls to our minds so well and expresses so truly the kindness of Jesus Christ.  It possesses, too, in a remarkable degree, the power to bind souls one to another.  This virtue, wherever it is practiced among men, tends primarily to settle the differences, both public and private, which so often separate us.  Likewise, can we not hope that, through the practice of this virtue which we rightly call the external sign of the inner possession of divine love, there will result in perfect peace and concord both in family life and among nations?”

Advent leads us to consider the meekness (gentleness) of the Holy Family, so well reflected in every manger scene this season.  Lowly animals, simple shepherds, a manger, and the Prince of Peace can lead us to rest in the gentleness of Christ and bring to our world the hope expressed by Pius XI in promoting the spirit of Saint Francis de Sales.

Here are some maxims from Francis de Sales that may help us model the gentleness of Christ and the Gentleman Saint.                                                                                 

“Nothing is so strong as gentleness— nothing so loving and gentle as strength.”  The Spirit of Saint  François de Sales, IV, 9

“It takes more oil than vinegar to make a good salad.”  The Spirit of Saint François de Sales, II, 13

“When you encounter difficulties and contradictions, do not try to break them, but bend them with gentleness and time.”  Letters to Persons in Religion, I, 6

“He who can preserve gentleness amid pains, and peace amid the worry and multitude of affairs, is almost perfect.”  Letters to Persons in Religion, II, 25

Father Jack Loughran, OSFS

Provincial

Toledo-Detroit Province

Advent Hope

Hope is the sense that what we desire or long for is possible.  It’s an ardent feeling that things will turn out for the best.  With this in mind, hope is the great motivator that keeps us going in difficult and stressful times.  I consume as little news as possible these days as I cannot tolerate the fighting and the hostility that is prevalent in our world.  It gets sadder to realize that this has overflowed into our church in some respects.  My hope is that if we keep doing what we believe to be God’s will for the world each day, this can become contagious and others may do likewise. 

This is not to assume a position of self-righteousness, for humility grounds us always to know that whatever we do comes from God and that we rely on God’s grace, mercy and presence at all times. Instead, it is a mindset that comes from a relationship with the Creator to whom we belong, who wills us to make a difference in some way.  So, in the midst of so much negativity, we aim to do our part to make the world a bit kinder and gentler.  Hope seems to demand an idea of what we lost, of what we would like to see restored or of what God has in mind.  It is the desire to persevere to where we see ourselves putting God as the center of our very being and all that we do.  It’s knowing that we cannot think of living, loving and doing apart from God.  

Hope is that day when all people will have what justice demands, be accepted and loved for who they are, and be free to worship, love and live without fear, rejection or ostracization.  It is living until we see that there is no one outside our circle of intimacy but all enjoying being embraced by God. 

Personally, hope is fidelity to the present moment.  It is a recognition that God has given me another day, another chance, another opportunity to allow him to take hold of me where I will not let go.  Tenui nec dimittam was Saint Francis de Sales’ motto, “I have taken hold and will not let go.”  Each day’s hope is that we will let go a bit more, trust in God a whole lot more and better imagine Him today than we did yesterday.  But as I write that, I am reminded that it’s not about our accomplishment, our proving to God, but rather our emptying ourselves and allowing God to do for us, to love us where and how we are.  

It’s a confidence that God will not give up (has taken hold and won’t let go) and we grow daily in embracing, living and sharing this incredible and infinite love God has for us.  Knowing this in a humble way, leads us to wish this and to work for this for others. Gradually, the world becomes more loving as we continue to go out to those in need, recognizing they belong to us as brother and sister, and we belong to them.  Most importantly, we all belong to God. Hope brings us to a bond of belonging and kinship.  Hope is recognizing God in others rather than what separates us from one another.

Hope is not wishful thinking.  It has some evidence that propels us to want more completion, consummation and fulfillment.  It may not be realized fully until our God calls us home to be with Him for eternity.  But that invitation finds acceptance in the here and now.  

Hope is seen in one’s charity to another.  It is a prayer uttered for those whom we do not know personally but realize they are hurting, suffering, alone or forgotten.  It’s seeing a parent not giving up on their child.  It’s a little kid donating his piggy bank to an elderly couple who risk being evicted.  It’s crying when we know things should be different, better and then resolving to do whatever we can to see this happens.  It is “staying” with another, with our Church, with our sinful self, accepting continuously God’s presence, mercy and unmerited, unconditional love. Hope is “seeing the one beholding us and smiling” (Anthony de Mello, SJ).  

A little hope goes a long way.  Some days it is all we need to get by.  Let us hope in God, in God’s plan for us and the world, and in our ability to do our part.  Hope is “thy will be done” implying “our will be gone.”  Hope is “taking hold and not letting go.”

Father John Fisher, OSFS

Pastor

Our Mother of Consolation Parish

Philadelphia, PA

Thanksgiving Prayer

“Marvel at God’s goodness: how good God has been to you, on your behalf! Lord, how rich is your heart in mercy and how generous is your good will. My soul, let us always recall the many graces he has shown to us” Saint Francis de Sales (Introduction to the Devout Life, 1.11).

Saint Francis de Sales also states that gratitude is the beginning of humility because it recognizes all that we have and all that we are are gifts from a loving and generous God. Today the people of the United States celebrate Thanksgiving from sea to shining sea. It is a day we come together with those closest to us, family and friends. It is an opportunity for each one of us to step back and reflect on the blessings we know are from God, and, if given the chance, share them with those who are important in our life.

This edited prayer of thanksgiving is based on of the writings of Saint Francis de Sales. It comes from a prayer book on Salesian Spirituality by John Kirvan. As we pray it, may we thank God for all the gifts He has given us.

Lord,

Thank you for the many gifts you’ve bestowed on me,

especially for those times when you took me by the hand

and led me through them.

Thank you for all the good things of the world that

you have put within my reach.

Thank you for blessing my efforts

and not caring if they were great or small, done well or poorly.

It mattered only that I tried to do your will.

It was enough. It always is.

Thank you for making me the person I am.

Thank you for the garden in which you placed me,

and where I alone will find you.

Yes Lord, thank you for all you have given me,

for all those moments when you took me by the hand,

walked with me, chatted with me,

mourned with me, and laughed with me.

Now, lead me gently but firmly into what is to come. Amen.

Have a blessed Thanksgiving,

Fr. Jack

Father Jack Loughran, OSFS

Provincial

Toledo-Detroit Province

Advent Faith

For me, faith has always been confidence or trust in another.  I have faith in the mechanic who works on my car, the nurse to give me the correct medicine, the driver approaching who will stop at the red light, the person speaking with me is telling the truth, and that most people are genuinely fair, kind, and good.  In the Old Testament, people put their faith in God, His leaders, and His plan of freeing them from slavery, bringing them back from sin and promising a Messiah. 

The long-awaited Savior would gather the lost tribes (scattered because of sin), cleanse the temple (by making himself the new temple to seek forgiveness, become holy and offer right praise), defeat the enemy (sin, not hostile nations) and reign as Lord of all nations (a reality realized but in need of being accepted daily).   Some leaders had flaws, some people doubted, complained, or strayed, but through it all, God kept His promises by forgiving and renewing His covenant time and time again.  

In the New Testament, disciples left their livelihoods and family to follow this itinerant preacher who spoke not of vengeance, judgment and punishment but forgiveness, love, mercy and turning the other cheek.  They put their nascent faith in Jesus as he embraced children, loved the poor, dined with sinners and kept company with prostitutes, tax collectors and sinners.  He sought the last, the least, the lost and the lonely.  Richard Rohr noted that empathy for the victim became the most subversive element in Jesus’ teaching.  And while he cured the sick and forgave sins, he always spoke of the Father’s will, their relationship and invited all into this intimacy. 

More spectacular than restoring sight to the blind, hearing to those deaf and freeing those paralyzed and suffering from various ailments was Christ highlighting for others their faith which may have been unknown or latent.  Awakening this gift of faith invited them into a right relationship with Jesus and set them on the road to eternal life.  “Faith seems to be the attitude that Jesus most praises in people, maybe because it makes hope and love possible” (Jesus’ Alternative Plan, p.19).

The Messiah accomplished all four goals and continues to intercede on our behalf welcoming us back when we turn away with a sense of entitlement, cleansing our inner temple of the Holy Spirit by reminding us of his unconditional love and never giving up on us, defeating the enemy of sin, racism, hatred, bigotry, selfishness and the like with His grace and our cooperation and reigning as Lord of all nations of Heaven and Earth.  This is our faith.

 As I write this, I wake to a story of five people killed in an LGBTQ nightclub in Colorado Springs with more than twelve injured.  Club Q was the one safe haven in a community known for its anti-gay activism.  A misguided young man takes this away with his hate crime.  That same night, two men were stopped in New York, one wearing a Nazi armband, in connection with threats to attack a New York synagogue.  Faith sustains us in these moments to continue building the reign of God on Earth, that is, the world as God envisions it.  Faith empowers us to proclaim God as Lord of all nations, Ukraine, Russia, Iran, Iraq, the United States and every land and people God birthed into being.  Faith tells me that what God desires for our world must be embraced in the now.  Here is where the Gospel must flourish.  Anything contrary is unacceptable. 

Faith empowers us to do what we pray, ‘Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done.” That Reign of God is found in the home, at the workplace, on war-torn lands, in gay night clubs, in synagogues, mosques, temples, cathedrals and in us.  Faith is that gift that we can do better, we must do better.  Better put, faith is that gift that has us empowering God to do through our surrender, our trust, his vision and our willingness to give it a try today, tomorrow and always.  Faith enables us to be continually forgiven, nourished, held and kissed by our God.  It is that gift that convinces us that we are worthy of such infinite, unconditional love. 

Advent faith reminds us of God’s plan to share with us His divinity, which enhances our humanity from selfishness to otherness, from our will to God’s will, from division to communion, from slavery to freedom and from hatred to love.  Advent faith is the Savior of the World born in a stable, perfectly embracing our humanity and showing us how it is possible to “Live + Jesus.”  Faith makes the prophet Habakkuk’s words the motivating force that “the vision still has its time, presses on to fulfillment and it will not disappoint … and if it delays, wait for it for it will surely come” (Habbukuk 2:3).

May our faith make hope and love possible.  

Father John Fisher, OSFS

Pastor

Our Mother of Consolation Parish

Philadelphia, PA

Choices

In our lifetime we make millions of choices. Some of them are simple like choosing between decaf or regular, chocolate or vanilla, whereas some are very serious and even life-changing. Should I marry this person? Is the Lord calling me to be a priest or religious? There are significant choices we make every day that reveal our values, our identity, and even express our faith. This past Tuesday many of us joined millions of Americans and made choices at the polls doing just that. Guided by our values, faith, and hopes, we chose people who we believe are like-minded with ourselves and will make good choices as elected officials, forming a democracy envisioned by our nation’s founders. 

In the months leading up to our journey to the polls, we have been bombarded with voices attempting to guide the choices we make there. Unfortunately, many of these voices have been rude, deceitful, smug, and divisive. Who has not heard someone bemoaning the distressing loss in the level of political discourse in our country? I am tired of the name calling, the vile accusations, the hate speech, and the demeaning way many politicians choose to treat others with differing opinions. These voices have gone to the extreme of supporting acts of violence and intimidation. It is beneath us. 

As those who have chosen to follow Christ, we are the people who commit ourselves to “Live Jesus.” Even Jesus struggled with choices. What else is the agony in the garden but a struggle with his choice to do the will of his Father? The theologian, Father Ron Rolheiser writes, “The choice Jesus faced that fateful night was not whether to die or not die. It was about how to die. Jesus’ choice was this: Do I die in bitterness or in love? Do I die in hardness of heart or softness of soul? Do I die in resentment or in forgiveness? We know which way he chose. His humiliation drove him to extreme depths, but these were depths of empathy, love, and forgiveness.”

Following this long and, at times, arduous journey to the polls, maybe it is time to reflect on our own choices. Are the choices we make done with empathy, love and forgiveness as guides? Do we bring the values and a Christlike way of living to our family life, our workplace, and in the interactions we have with others? Are our voices reflective of the choice we have made to “Live Jesus?”

Saint Francis de Sales writes, “I recommend to you the gentle and sincere courtesy which offends no one and obliges all, which seeks love rather than honor.” (Letters to Persons in the World IV 2)

What is your choice? Is it decaf or regular? Chocolate or vanilla? Hate and resentment, or gentle and sincere courtesy, the virtue that warranted Saint Francis de Sales to be called the “Gentleman Saint?”

Live + Jesus!

Father Jack Loughran, OSFS

Provincial

Toledo-Detroit Province