September 21, 2008

Dear friends in life and in ministry . . .

After a very full and rather emotionally draining week, I've come down with some kind of allergy reaction that has left me stuffed up, sniffling and sleepy.

But the "If you're going through Hell" theme of this weekend's column is not at about my temporary discomfort. It is about the song that a brave young boy, Logan Manciocchi clung to while engaged in a two year battle with brain cancer. We celebrated eleven year old Logan's move into the Lord's embrace last Monday. About 300 people attended the Funeral service at St. Mary's. Hundreds also attended an outdoor candle-light memorial gathering Friday evening on the Little League field where Logan once played baseball.

I reflect on this young man, his family and the mysterious ways of God.

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: September 21, 2008
Deacons Are "Sent to Serve" - If you're going through Hell.

Like most of you, I never actually met eleven year old Logan. But, all of us have heard his name listed week after week in the Prayers of the Faithful as he battled a two year long war with brain cancer.

Logan’s short life proved that one never knows the impact that the way we live our lives and face our personal challenges can have on others. In meeting with his mother Stephanie and Grandmother Gretchen, and later with his dad Steve, I learned that, in spite of his illness, Logan never lost his zest for life and sense of humor. In doing so, he rallied the admiration and support of hundreds of classmates and friends including country singer Rodney Atkins, who on two occasions met Logan and dedicated songs to him.

Logan, latched onto one of Atkin’s songs, “If You’re Going Through Hell” and made it his credo during long stretches radiation and chemotherapy. The song’s refrain reads:

So, why does God allow young people like Logan to suffer so? That is a question that only Logan and those who have met God face to face know the answer to. The scriptures of today’s Mass tell us . . .

"My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways my ways,” says the Lord.

“As high as the heavens are above the earth, so high are my ways above your ways and my thoughts above your thoughts."

Yesterday, over 300 people, when confronted with that puzzle of life, joined their prayers and voices with confidence, that Logan now rests in that mysterious God’s loving embrace. For during times of struggle, God surrounds us with multitudes of earthly angels and heavenly angels to love and support us. Through our struggle, they perhaps come to know the power of faith and the love God has for them as well.

The Catholic Campaign for Human Development

This weekend’s second collection will support one of the Church’s major efforts to help those most in need. Of the 37 million people considered to be living below the poverty line, 45% work full time but still do not make enough money to feed their families, keep roofs over their heads, and pay for health care. The Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD) supports community-based projects—founded and managed by the poor themselves—that work toward building a better and more just community where poverty does not exist. You can make a difference. Please donate prayerfully and generously in today’s CCHD Collection.

Have a good week. Serve one another well.

Deacon Ray

Click image for printable document... (Adobe PDF file, plugin needed)   (Click Here For Sent To Serve Archives)

Bulletin: September 21st, 2008