November 20, 2005

Dear friends in life and in ministry,

It was a good week to be kidnapped. Pat and I spent Sunday afternoon through Wednesday in Rochester. It was - for the most part a time of leisure and rest - although I managed to do my weekly column and several other work-type activities pool side.

On Tuesday evening we thoroughly enjoyed a production of Peter Pan at the Auditorium Theatre in Rochester. The production starred Kathy Rigby who, at age 52, flew on one very thin cable from one side of the stage to the other doing flips along the way. At the end of the show, she flew into the audience nearly touching the people in the mezzanine. Spectacular!

God has been doing some wonderful things over the past few days and allowing me to see and take some small part in at least one amazing life decision. We've got to look for God's Spirit at work in our lives - for when we do miracles happen within our midst. Can't give the details because its not my story - but another's - but prayer really works.

Baptisms at both of our weekend Masses. It is such a sign of our parish's growing vibrancy. This place really knows how to celebrate - and to eat. Tonight a Chicken and Biscuits Dinner. Tomorrow a Pancake Breakfast. God is so good.

Today's Sent to Serve Column is on the gift of forgiveness.

Blessings to all . . .

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November 20, 2005

The Solemnity of Christ the King

Thanksgiving and the Gift of Forgiveness

In each of our lives there is much for which we can give thanks. Our lives are gifted with people who, through their love for us, patience with us, and even criticism of us have become a channel of God’s grace to us. The love of these individuals (in my case Pat and my children) helps us to love more, criticize less and become more tolerant of those who challenge our patience.

Life long Catholics over forty learned well the importance of daily examining our own conscience and seeking God’s forgiveness less we “die before we wake.” Many of us “grew up” through standing in the Confession line. After perusing lists of sins so we might not miss any we had committed we faced our guilt never quite sure that the priest would not deny us absolution and slam the sliding door in our face.

In recent years (perhaps the last 30) much of our theology has turned from the image of God as JUDGE to the image of God as an UNCONDITIONAL FRIEND with a firm and understanding knowledge of the human psyche. As we mature we realize that, its not so much that God lets us off easy — as that God models for us the attitude of unconditional love, patience and forgiveness that God expects of us in our dealings with others. When we do not daily examine our behavior toward others with God’s eyes, we might miss one of God’s greatest gifts - the ability to forgive trespasses as God forgives our own trespasses.

I believe that forgiveness is among the greatest of God’s gifts - and certainly a gift that I am most thankful for. Their have been periods of my life that I have fallen prey to my own bitterness and taken on a negative
spirit. I have suffered greatly through my own bitterness and refuse to
take on that role in the future. I have learned that forgiveness heals - not only the sinner - but the person sinned upon.

As Thanksgiving Day approaches, I hope that you will examine your conscience to see if there is anyone that you need to forgive. God does not want families divided, churches divided, or any of his children to be
estranged from each other. We hold the power to make this Thanksgiving
more than a day of parades, turkey, football and rest before the big shopping spree. If today you hear his voice—harden not your hearts—but rather make that phone call or send the letter that will open the door to reconciliation.

Have a good week. Serve one another well.

I pray that you will enjoy this visit, and if you like,
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