Last week we heard in the Sunday readings: “…we speak of God’s wisdom, mysterious, hidden…But as it is written: What eye has not seen, and ear has not heard, and what has not entered the human heart, what God has prepared for those who love him,”
As we look to the unknown of the future of our pastoral planning, it can be easy for us to live in fear, of simply what we are losing. But we do not know and cannot see now the good things God has in store for us…yes in heaven. But even now, and on the other side of this pastoral planning. As we discern as an Archdiocese, and if we really strive to prayerfully listen and discern as an Archdiocese, then who knows what amazing, good and beautiful things that God has prepared on the other side of this, that we have not even imagined yet!
When we began this Journey in Faith process, our Archbishop said, “As a priest, I had to walk with parishioners on a couple of occasions through the process of clustering and merging their beloved parishes – guiding them through uncertainty, listening to their pain, and helping them discover new life on the other side. It wasn’t simple. But it was sacred. That is why I believe so deeply in this journey. If someone asks me why we have to go through this painful process, I might ask them: “Would you be willing to give up your Sunday Mass of convenience – or even Sunday Mass in your particular beloved church period – if Journey in Faith will renew, reenergize, and revitalize our archdiocese, thereby helping us retain our young people and bring back your children, grandchildren, and other relatives who have left the Church?” I know I would. I would give up anything for that. If this process can enliven our parishes, help us evangelize better, and make our ministries more vital, wouldn’t it be worth the suffering, sacrifice, and martyrdom that it requires? It is all for the sake of the mission Jesus gave us. It is all for the sake of the Kingdom of God.”
While the unknown can cause fear and anxiety, there is also hope of what could be…of what the Lord might have in store on the other side. So as we look to the unknown future with hope, we don’t know what the Lord has in store. But our Scripture from last week also calls to mind a hymn inspired by this very reading: “Eye has not seen” by Marty Haugen.
“Eye has not seen, ear has not heard, what God has ready, for those who love him;
Spirit of love, come, give us the mind of Jesus, teach us the wisdom of God.
When pain and sorrow weigh us down, be near to us, O Lord. Forgive the weakness of our faith, and bear us up within your peaceful word.”
Peace,
-Fr. Kevin
