I had the 11am Mass today and I asked people to sit for the Gospel and I preached first about this wonderful hymn that is the beginning of the Gospel of St. John. I reminded them that we use to say it as “the last Gospel” at every Mass before Vatican II. I think we learned in the seminary that it contains the whole message of Salvation History and that we were reminded of it just before we left Church to return to “the world” and bring it the message of hope that the Gospel brings. Even though, I had read it over again this morning before Mass; it really is a powerful and beautiful bit of history and poetry and I was moved by it as I proclaimed it at Mass.
I offered the Mass for all those in our families and parishes and communities who have died during 2010. I think tomorrow, I might include them in “In Memorian” as I use to do in my Christmas letter. There have been many relatives and good friends who have “crossed over” this year.
Remembering them at Mass, led me to do some more “phone ministry”. Some of those I called were not home but others were. For the ones who I were not home, I left a message for, “I just wanted them to know they were in my thoughts and prayers as the year comes to an end.”
I also had a very nice long talk with Judy Fox, the sister of Brother Norval “Mort” Byrd and Jim Kehoe, the father of Ann Kehoe. Also spoke with my cousins, Ray and Linda Jensen in North Carolina, and Frances Sampogna, whose husband, Nick, died this year.
I spent the afternoon and early evening just relaxing and ‘escaping” into TV. I will probably go to bed soon and may wake up to see the Ball fall in Times Square but from a horizonal view. I have the 11am Mass tomorrow and I shall offer it for all of you, my blessings in 2010 and many other past years as well as asking God to bless you in 2011. Happy New Year.
Yesterday afternoon I visited a cousin who has had MS for over 30 years. She is now bedridden and can only move her right arm and hand. Her husband provides a comfortable home and loving support that has kept her going all these years. Her spirit reminded me that it does not take a strong body to minister to others. You can’t leave her bedside without feeling blessed.
May 2011 bless YOU with good health and a healthy spirit!