October 5, 2008

Dear friends in life and in ministry . . .

Patty and I are halfway through a weekend visit to our daughter Monica in Chicago. Last night we played Mill Bourne - a game that was a favorite at our house when Monica was much younger. But last night, the game just didn't stir the excitement any of us remembered. Funny how that works.

Today we enjoyed breakfast with Monica and her boy friend Nate, a visit to the fabulous Millennium Park a guided tour of the historic Chicago Cultural Center. Later we attended Mass at a mostly Hispanic church led by a very young Anglo priest. While only a hundred or so people were in attendance (the church probably held 500) the people participated well and were genuinely welcoming. The homily well prepared and well delivered and I enjoyed being on the people side of the altar. Tomorrow will likely be a veg out day - watching the morning news shows and afternoon football. Another rare Sunday activity for me. We return home on Monday afternoon.

Last night I received a call to let me know that another parishioner and friend, Stan Wraight had lost his battle with cancer. Fr. Jim, Deacon Ed Wight and I will celebrate Stan's new life at a memorial Mass on Tuesday night at 7:00 p.m. Stan entered the Church only two years ago following his marriage to Martha, a long time parishioner at St. Mary's. He was a very good man and I will miss him.

Other than Stan's passing, it has been a great week at the parish. Perhaps the highlight was the celebration of Confirmation on Wednesday night. Bishop Matthew Clark confirmed 23 young people and young adults from St. Mary's and St. Gabriel's in Hammondsport.

Because I planned to be away this weekend, I invited Fr. Jim Jaeger, our parish priest to take over my space on page three of the bulletin. Fr. Jim demonstrates his rather zany humor in an article entitled "Why you should vote for me." I hope you enjoy his writing as much as I've enjoyed a weekend off.

TRAVEL WITH US IN 2009
Pat and I invite you to join us on a "Lands of the Bible Cruise" that we've scheduled for November 11, 2009. Follow the link below to download our itinerary. Then, if you are interested, drop me an email and I'll send you a brochures and registration form. (http://www.deaconray.com/travel.htm)

This Week's Column: October 5, 2008

"Why You Should Elect Me President" By Father Jim Jaeger

Deacon Ray and Pat are in Chicago this weekend visiting their daughter Monica. He’s invited me to share with you an essay that I wrote recently concerning the upcoming elections.

In just five more weeks the Election will be over. I for one can’t wait. I just can’t catch the excitement this time around. I am tired of listening to the hype, rhetoric, mudslinging, and promises in this campaign year. I have not watched one debate or one convention. I have relied only on newspaper headlines and what I hear on TV. I started wondering what is wrong with me? It seems that most people around me are talking constantly about one candidate or the other. I am now anxious that I may be depressed since I am complacent.

Then the thought came to me, why don’t I run for high office? Why not? I could do a better job than all the rest. I have been a spiritual leader for over 22 years. Let me put myself in their place. I challenge you readers to do the same. If I were running for this fantasy position what would my promises and platform be???? What would yours be??

Well, Jim the candidate came up with these first responses.

First I would abolish the antismoking ban so I could enjoy a big ole cigar in public anywhere and at anytime. I am sick of these health nuts telling me what and what I cannot do. Did they forget that George Burns lived to be a 100 years old while smoking and chewing cigars? After all I am an educated person. I just read that tobacco is a good cure for hemorrhoids. This is yet another discovery to overturn our current law. These fanatics ought to put that tobacco up their %!#_ and smoke it. This may help them to not be so uptight about things in the end. Let those who don’t like smoke go outside and enjoy the fresh air until the smoke clears. Lets see how they like the shoe being on the other foot.

Then next thing I would do is repeal the drinking age. I could have a drink when I was 18, then why isn’t it good enough for them today? Haven’t these health fanatics heard that red wine is good for lowering cholesterol, good for the heart, and is full of antioxidants? Why keep this miracle fruit from the populace? Plus we need to do more to promote New York State Wines and help out our local economy! France, Italy, and Australia should be afraid! There is so much pleasure and nirvana and bonding that goes on over a glass of red grapes.

We should never let big interest groups and lobbyists take the peace and tranquility such activities gives us and instill fear and lawsuits instead. I think that they should go after terrorists, and people with guns on our city streets.

The next thing I think is crazy is the leash law. My boxer Gracie loves to go out and follow me on a walk. She doesn’t need a leash and isn’t a threat to anyone. It is another example of big interest putting all of us on a short leash in life. Insurance groups have to much control and people are afraid of being sued. Maybe we should change those laws too.

If I need a Treasury Chief then I would pick Susie Orman and for diplomatic dinners I would pick Rachel Ray to put a dish for $40 a meal on the menu.

These were my first thoughts. What were yours? I guess my life is pretty tame and good. I found out that these things were about me and my self interests. Not about what I would do for my fellow Americans. I am ashamed. How selfish of me to think of me and what would bring me happiness.

This reflection got me thinking about other things on the flip side such as what are we doing for others? Are we any different than the candidates? They are really doing something good for others even if it doesn’t touch us here and now. They are looking at the whole big picture. I was not at first. I have learned a lesson.

Our candidates aren’t about themselves but for the good of our country and allies and the global world. That is where we should be. We should reflect on what are we doing for our country? My buddies and I here at the 107th Air National Guard unit in Niagara Falls are serving our country in uniform. We do lots of charity causes for those neighbors in need such as the city mission.

Lastly what are we doing for God? How is our world better off from our service?

When I told another about my promises they thought I was crazy. Some were angry at me for my positions. It is hard to be a leader. I was told I would never be elected. I am happy with that now. I am glad that others are running for election. I will pray for them and all the good they can do.

That is one thing we need - more faith, hope and prayer. On Election night I will try to be interested and I promise to light a cigar in the confines of my home and toast those who have accomplished so much. May we couch potatoes do as much for others as our elected officials do for us. Maybe that is all I will be able to peel back as your candidate.

But Lord I am here to love and serve you. Don’t ever let me forget that. That is what we all have in common elected or not. as our elected officials undertake their new duties.

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Bulletin: October 5th, 2008