Pastors Notes from October 9, 2022
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October 10, 2022Last Sunday on the bike trail I came upon an elderly gentleman who was standing alongside the trail, his bike parked next to him. No special riding gear; comfortably dressed in blue jeans, t- shirt and sneakers. He was simply looking out at the scenery that late afternoon with the blue skies, sun beginning to set, and a few of the surrounding trees beginning to drop leaves. Just a gracious look of serenity on his face as I rode past. He chose the better trail at that moment.
Thank you to the many volunteers who helped with the photo sessions these past several weeks; and for the individuals and families who took the time to have their picture taken. Hopefully, our new directory inclusive of St. John, St. Malachy, and Sacred Heart will reflect a community of Catholic-Christian faith and mission.
And thank you to those who volunteered in the kitchen and those who donated salads or desserts for the ‘Communal Meal’ last Monday evening. A gathering of different faces, backgrounds, and appetites! Next Communal Meal is Monday, Nov. 7th.
A brief story for this Respect Life Month:
One day, when I was a freshman in high school, I saw a kid from my class was walking home from school. His name was Kyle. It looked like he was carrying all of his books. I thought to myself, "Why would anyone bring home all his books on a Friday? He must really be a nerd."
As I was walking, I saw a bunch of kids running toward him. They ran at him, knocking all his books out of his arms and tripping him so he landed in the dirt. He looked up and I saw this terrible sadness in his eyes. My heart went out to him so I jogged over to him. As I handed him his glasses, he looked at me and said, "Hey thanks!" There was a smile on his face. It was one of those smiles that showed real gratitude.
I helped him pick up his books, and asked him where he lived. As it turned out, he lived near me. . . .
Over the next four years, Kyle and I became friends. When we were seniors, we began to think about college. Kyle decided on Georgetown, and I was going to Duke. . . .Kyle was valedictorian of our class. I teased him all the time about being a nerd. He had to prepare a speech for graduation. Graduation day, I saw Kyle. He looked great. He was one of those guys that really found himself during high school. I could see that he was nervous about his speech. As he started his speech, he cleared his throat, and began.
"Graduation is a time to thank those who helped you make it through those tough
years. . . .I am here to tell all of you that being a friend to someone is the best gift you can give them. I am going to tell you a story." I just looked at my friend with disbelief as he told the story of the first day we met. He had planned to kill himself over the weekend. He talked of how he had cleaned out his locker so his mom wouldn't have to do it later and was carrying his stuff home. . . ."Thankfully, I was saved. My friend saved me from doing the unspeakable."
Never underestimate the power of your actions. With one small gesture, you can change a person's life; for better or for worse. God puts us all in each other's lives to impact one another in some way. Look for God in others. Each day is a gift from God. Don't forget to say, "Thank you." (The story of Kyle, by David Mittlemen
God Bless, Fr. Tim
FYI: “Perhaps it takes a purer faith to praise God for unrealized blessings than for those we once enjoyed or those we enjoy now.” (A.W. Tozer, pastor & author)