I got up very early and drove to Laurel. My friend, Msgr. Mike Mellone, is on vacation and I told him I’d be happy to come out and do a few Masses. Today, I had the 7:30 and 9:00am Masses. It was a little taxing as today is Catechetical Sunday and at each Mass, I blessed teachers. Also Communion took a long time. I say that because I did perspire a lot and was out of breath by the end. HOWEVER, I saw lots of people at the doorways from parishes I’ve been in. Phyllis Cooper, Tom Traber, and Frank Duff were there from St. B’s. Bridget, the daughter of Steve Ash also spoke with me. I had been there a few months ago to concelebrate her Mom’s funeral. Martin and Susan Shoch and Patty Delozier were there from St. Camillus. And the daughter of parishioners at St. Michael’s came up to speak to me. It was so nice to see them and to have the Masses.
I did come right home and eat breakfast and then went to bed.
I had a great nap and just finished the 5:30pm Mass here. I preached at all the Masses on the merciful God that was in each of the readings and the prayers as well. I ended by encouraging us (myself included) to try to manifest the mercy of God by forgiving someone who has hurt us. I think it was well recieved.
In the afternoon, I had read Pope Francis’ talk at the Angelus in Rome today. He ended by asking everyone to be silence and in the silence to grant mercy and forgiveness to someone they have been with holding such feeling from. I did not footnote that at my 5:30 Mass since I used it earlier than he did.
Now some supper and again to bed. I have the 11am tomorrow.
Nice to have you back! Thanks for being you!!!