"Second
Week
of Easter, 2007"
Having just experienced a
Cursillo Weekend with 16 wonderful new women Cursilllistas, I keep
thinking about how each of us can influence our own environments for
Christ, for God. Since Christianity is basically "community" in
action for Christ; I know we must begin to build more bridges of
connection with each other and this world. So I would suggest that we
all begin to take steps to know each other better. I might simply
have breakfast with a person that I want to get to know better. I
might ask my co-worker to spend a little time together over the lunch
hour, talking about our lives and not business. I might call my nephew
or niece and ask them to go out for dinner. Many good things happen
over meals. I might just take my spouse's hand and share a heart felt
prayer of thanks with them, before we go to bed. I will visit my
cousin, who lost his wife, and share some time together. I will take
out my address book and call some one who I haven't talked with in a
long time and see how they are doing or write them a quick note. I
will spend the day with my grandchildren. Instead of leaving the
Sunday Liturgy or the Sabbath or the Mosque right after it is over, I
might stay longer and visit with a parishioner or a member of the
Service.
After all, when Jesus rose
from the dead, did He not do the same? Look where He goes, right back
to those whom he had been friends with, a Brother to, or had wanted to
visit. I am sure He even visited some who He had worked miracles for,
to see how they were doing in their lives. He probably even visited
those who had turned him over to be crucified. Not to condemn them,
but to give them another opportunity at forgiveness and renewal.
Remember the story of the
"Little Prince." In that book we hear the wisdom that the time you
waste upon someone is what is most important. I believe that is what
the little Prince did with his flower, watering it, tending to it,
just admiring its beauty. Remember the words of Jesus: "Whatever you
do for the least sister or brother, that you do for Me."
Just taking
time to connect with you,
Love, Fr. Dennis
