Between the Hearts
By Fr. Craig Giera
Brothers and sisters in Christ, I am very aware of how much the changes to the Mass times has been a cause of consternation for you. I feel a little like St. Paul writing to the Corinthians, as I don’t want to cause any distress, for it is you whom are to be my happiness and joy. I wish I could say, “Trust me!” However, I was always told never to trust someone who says that. Also, looking at all those lawyer billboards on the road, I see many of them say, “Get Respect!” That bothers me too, for one has to earn respect. All I can say is that I understand.
Last weekend at St. Kateri I was able to speak a little more into our situation because it was my weekend there. I preached on sorrow and grief. I have been on many healing journeys in my life, and whether it was physical or spiritual, each had to start with the naming of that which was lost or hurt. It is similar to going to a doctor and telling them where it hurts. Both parishes have lost a pastor they have known for a long time as both retired this year. Everything that was familiar with them is now gone; that hurts. Both parishes have lost a full-time pastor, as you now share me as your one priest. This means I won’t always be as readily available whenever you need me; that hurts. Both parishes have lost Mass times that are familiar and loved; that hurts. Both parishes, along with the whole archdiocese just earlier, is starting the process of restructuring which brings along with it many uncertainties; that hurts. I have lost many things too, so again, I understand.
There are many things I like about the Rosary, but I always reflect on the words, “Pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death.” Now and at the hour of our death are the only two moments of our lives that are guaranteed. The past is gone, the future is unknown, but we do have our “now.” God choose to have us live at this particular “now” and at this particular time in this particular part of the world. I have to believe that God will provide the grace and mercy to get us through the good and the bad. I do believe there is a dawn coming. Like one waiting in the darkness who focuses on the one lit candle, so too we, focus on the one light that is our North Star: Jesus. He knows what we are going through. I’m reminded of this as I look up and see the crucifix opposite my desk. In rough times I ask the Blessed Mother to hide me in the Heart of Jesus. Try praying that way if you have never done so before. I also ask the Blessed Mother to hide me in her mantle of peace and protection. It is what a good mother does.
So, as we begin our new journey together with the many changes that will take place, everyone is allowed to feel all the emotions that come with loss. During this time, please let’s treat each other gently as the person next to you might be feeling something completely different. Let us give each other a lot of extra grace these next weeks as we get used to our new reality. Please know you can always contact me to talk and ask questions; I will make time for you. We honor the past, we hope for a good future, and we live our “now” with the gift of The Holy Spirit.
In Christ, Fr. Craig
