And the Truth?

Entering the correct password to this blog, on the fourth try, indicated that I have had limited keyboard time lately. I could cite the usual reasons, busy at work, at home, and at church. But the truth may be that I have been at a loss for words lately. (Aw....come on, quit laughing!) Really! My fingers used to fly on this keyboard describing anything and everything that crossed my mind. Tonight, I have thus erased several words, lines, and paragraphs. Heart is not in it? More like my mind is not in it. I am restless. And I am resting in my restlessness? I am content in my restlessness? Close.


Our pastor, Father Bob, passed away last month. I have a small picture of him, on my dining room table, as he blessed the bride and groom at my daughter's wedding two years ago. I never thanked him enough for officiating that wedding. Father Bob was a blessing to me and my family that day. I now sigh as I glance at that picture, surrounded by leaves and fallish decorations, and remember the blessings he brought to our parish. I sigh again when I remember moments of his interaction within our parish walls that would definitely not be described as a blessing. Hindsight dictates that the man remarkably staved off three types of fourth stage cancer for almost a year in an attempt to serve God's people. Hindsight also dictates that maybe others should have stepped in to help him when he did not see the need for help. Help that might have served God's people just as well? The question now remains, who held the truth to what should have been done "in the best interest" of the parish?


My restlessness may be a result of dealing with that frustration. Who holds the truth? We have a new priest in charge now. I have known him for about five years from my interaction with our neighboring parish. I enjoy his homilies and have no doubt that he will serve his parishioners in any way he can. I am sure that he has a good understanding of the "Truth". Could I tell him anything that would help him? Am I aware of 'Truths" that could serve "the best interests" of our parish? Could there be different truths from different factions? "Truth"could be my buzzword for the year.


I have recently been previewing movies and books for my confirmation students to watch and read as part of their preparation to receive the sacrament. This week I am reading "Catholic Reluctantly", a paperback that follows eight Catholic high school students as they grow and interact. One of their teachers gave them this poem from David Craig:


"If you want the truth,
you must look for it.
It's that simple,
If it's there, it will stick a foot out
as you pass; he will hold his side laughing
as you fall....

It will be more than you expected.

But then, of course, you must decide
what you're going to do with him.
He might start to follow you around--


You can just picture him
down on the corner with the boys,
trying to fit in--your friends will hate him
but won't be able to ask him to leave because of his size.
He'll try to sing the bass part, completely destroy the harmony.


No sir, you won't be able to take him anywhere."



The kids in the story have faced many situations in which the truth has tried to sing bass, distrupting the harmony they strive to daily create among their peers. Relating their struggles to my own faith walk in our parish has been interesting. Their struggles with the truth is indeed setting each character free. I am hoping for the same results.