Weekend Wisdom, June 17-18
Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Each year on this weekend, I think back to a heavenly encounter that happened on Sunday, June 21, 1992… my first Father’s Day without my Dad (he had died unexpectedly from a heart attack in January, 1992).
My wife Lynn and I, along with our two young daughters, were making our way home after vacationing in the Upper Peninsula. After Mass in Eagle River, we stopped for brunch at the Hiawatha, a resort operated by the family of a college roommate. I was still mourning my Dad’s passing, and I wasn’t in the best of moods. Then the encounter happened… As we were finishing our meal, an older gentleman who had been sitting nearby, came to our table and said to me. “I just wanted to tell you that you have a beautiful family. You are so blessed. Happy Father’s Day!” Then he was gone…
That comment from a stranger immediately changed my mood from grieving to gratitude. I thought…Yes, I am blessed! This was not a day to mourn, it was a day to be grateful and to enjoy the day with Lynn, Kara, and Marissa! (by the way, I am convinced that my Dad had something to do with that encounter…what a wonderful Father’s Day gift! Thanks Dad!)
In today’s Gospel, Jesus gave us his church, a wonderful gift… “Jesus summoned his twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits to drive them out and to cure every disease and every illness.” Jesus chose fishermen and earthly men to be his twelve apostles. Later, he chose Peter to be our first Pope. In a special way today, we thank God our Father for sending us his only son Jesus to show us the way to eternal life. We also thank the servant leaders of our pilgrim church on earth… Our Holy Father, Pope Francis, our Bishop, David Ricken, and Fr. Mike, and Fr. Ben.
Today we are also grateful for all fathers, by birth, adoption, or by role, who have been called by God to love and support children throughout their lives. We pray that all fathers will help accomplish God’s plan by being spiritual leaders and guardians of their families. We pray that they are courageous witnesses to the Gospel, and that they serve as examples of goodness and truth. Finally, we remember all fathers who have gone before us. May they rest in the peace of Christ.
To all who serve God’s people in fatherly roles… Happy Father’s Day!
May God bless you and your family,
Deacon Mark