Every Sunday morning I take to Facebook and encourage everyone to get thee to Mass. I usually include something from that day's Mass like a line from the Gospel or one of the readings. This morning I asked for special prayers. Here's why. Here in the Archdiocese of New Orleans our Community of Deacons is close. We are like family. We extend that family feeling to the candidates when we have a class in formation and even to our inquirers when we begin the process of starting a new class. We currently have 20 candidates who, if it be God's will, are scheduled for ordination in June of 2015. In that class is a young, energetic family with several children. Our candidate and his wife are a lesson in great love and courage as she has battled cancer with great faith. Throughout formation she has been doing and feeling well until recently. I do not know nor would I share all the personal details; all I can say here is that there is a profound reason for sending prayers her way. I'm comfortable sharing her first name, Courtney, so each of you can pray for her by name. Our family has a special devotion to Blessed Francis Xavier Seelos, a 19th century Catholic priest who died in New Orleans while ministering to hundreds who suffered from yellow fever. This is the same Seelos who was beatified based on the miracle healing of Angela Boudreaux, my aunt, who suffered from the same cancer that Courtney is battling! I know I can count on your prayers, especially today when you are at Mass!
These past two weeks are a blur; one of those incredibly busy periods of time which can be exhausting but are definitely fulfilling. From meeting with couples preparing to be married, to prison ministry, to advancing our ongoing adult faith series on the Acts of the Apostles, to diaconate activities related to those inquirers mentioned earlier; wow, busy! And I always thank God for the gift of this busy-ness and the way He makes a way to be present for these periods of radically busy!!
During this time, I have also been able to celebrate a beautiful Valentine's Day with my wife of nearly 37 years and today we are going to watch a Mardi Gras parade, something we have not done in years!
It's a morning like this, informed by my faith and aware of my blessings, that I have this great sense of holy contentment. I can take a few moments to reflect on the love of a wife for so many years now that still is fresh and wonderful and in so many ways better now than it was all those many years ago. And reflecting on the gift of two wonderful, happy and successful children and my amazing #1 grandson!! I am looking at pictures of Calvin this morning as he got to play during his 1st big-time snow experience at his home in North Carolina. Pictures! Did I say pictures:
My son tells me that #1 grandson actually is a good driver in this ice and snow. He turns into his skids!!!
Finally, on this glorious Sunday morning, I reflect on the gift that I am ordained clergy in Christ's Catholic Church. You see I have experienced the graces of two Sacraments of service, Matrimony and Holy Orders. These sacraments are ordered for the good of others and it is the Holy Spirit that reminds me always that I am to use these graces from these sacraments as they are intended: in service to others. In matrimony my service should be to my wife first and foremost, helping her on her journey toward eternal happiness. In holy orders my service is to Jesus in serving the needs, physical and/or spiritual of others, especially those most in need! It's a wonderful reminder today of not so much what I do, but of who I am!!
Again, thank you for your readership and friendship and please don't forget to pray for Courtney!
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