Busier than ever; would not want it any other way!

I sometimes joke that I look forward to Monday's so I can go to work and meetings and slow down just a bit. As summer time begins it's long fade to fall and football, I just can't remember being any busier than these last few weeks. And I would not have it any other way.

Any chance I get to respond in the affirmative to ministry and service to the Church and God's people I count as pure joy. Yes I realize that, on a personal level, I must balance the "things that I do". But it never feels like simply "doing" as I constantly remember the mantra for the Permanent Deacon: its not what you do but who you are!

My activities lately have included additional assistance to the deacon formation classes of 2010 and 2012, including assisting with homiletics and mentoring 3 candidates. Just this past week I had the opportunity to share lunch with these men and listen to them as they describe their journey to possible ordination. In homiletics I have the opportunity to hear and critique the efforts of the 2010 candidates. All of this is so fresh for me as I experienced the same routine these men are experiencing just a few short years ago. The opportunity has been great for me; enriching my own ordained ministry journey and personal spirituality.

This week brought events every night of the week, including another beneficial visit to the Rayburn prison. On this night I arrived one hour early so I could spend some time with the men in the infirmary. And the opportunity to teach a lesson on the Assumption to the larger Catholic community was awesome!

This is a preaching weekend for me, in fact I was tasked with preaching the homily at three Masses. Being the great solemnity of the Assumption I worked hard to prepare a homily fit for this great feast. My goal when I preach, and one I'm more aware of as I assist in homiletics, is to bring the Gospel alive to the people in the pews today and move them to action. It is not for me to determine the effectiveness of my preaching as I truly rely on the Holy Spirit to be my guide.

So I remain very busy these days as family life and career responsibilities continue. I have been blessed to have so much support among family, friends and co-workers. We have come through some difficult and exciting times over the past month that adds to all this busy-ness. But as always I just remember the Scripture verse that has become my constant motto and prayer; for whether it's good times or bad, smooth sailing or rough riding I remember:
Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, today and forever. Heb 13:8