Friar's Corner

I had the blessing a couple of weeks ago to officiate at my cousin’s wedding. It truly was a joyous occasion. First for me to be able to officiate at my cousin’s wedding and to spend some time with family, which is always turns out to be a grand old time. As my cousin and his new wife begin their journey as husband and wife it led to reflect on commitment. Here is this young couple committing their lives to each other for the rest of their days. It truly is such a beautiful act but unfortunately there is much that is against them. We live in a society that has lose it’s sense of a commitment. We just have to look around and it becomes very real. We see how the numbers of those getting married have dropped, men and women not entering priesthood and religious life and even in the workforce it’s common for people to have a few different positions in their lifetimes where at one time it wasn’t uncommon to see a person work in the same company most of their working life.

Why has this become a reality in our society? Why don’t people have that sense of commitment anymore? It could be many things. I believe some of the reasons that have caused this is that we have sugarcoated everything that we do when it comes to our young people. We really haven’t taught them to be proud and to persevere in what they choose to do. We even got to the point in some school systems to frown upon correcting paper in red ink because it might upset the child. Parents don’t parent anymore but instead want to be their children’s friends. My brothers and sisters we need to stop the INSANITY! We really need to challenge our young people to be the good and faithful citizens and Catholics that they are called to be. We need to instill in them a sense of belonging and responsibility. To let them know that it’s good to commit to something. Yes, we shouldn’t rush into commitments and I would strongly suggest to anyone that is ready to make a commitment to truly discern their decision.

We have to come to the realization that commitment is good! That it gives the person a sense of accomplishment and pride in what they have persevered. I know in my own life that it was quite a big step for me to commit myself to a vowed life of poverty, chastity and obedience in the ministerial Priesthood. I know that it will not be easy and some days will come with it’s many challenges but I know there is so many blessings that comes along with this life that I gave over to God and his church. It also gives me an opportunity to freely give myself to those in need.

So my dear brothers and sisters, when you feel that you want to abandon ship let us look at the example that Christ left us. Here is a man that knew he had a mission. He was to teach, heal, and become the sacrificial lamb. He put himself last especially on that Good Friday as he carried his cross to Calvary and he committed himself to those he loved so much that they no longer be slaves to sin but freed from it so that they can gain eternal life.

So let us continue on this journey in the sense of perseverance and let us be the good and faithful servants we are called to be.


Love,
Fr. Phil