October 25, 2020
Dear People of God, It is not so easy to put life on “cruise control” and move about in a comfortable pattern of behavior. We know the routine – what to think – how to feel – and truly believing we are living life to the fullest in God. However, the joys and tragedies of life are inescapable and these moments challenge us to probe our deepest beliefs and convictions about God, faith and life’s meaning and purpose.
Jesus Christ is our point of reference for life’s deepest purpose. What is the meaning of our life? What is the meaning of death? The experiences of life can affect us and change us forever. COVID-19 is a present example!
George Carlin was an oftentimes gross, crude and mouthy comedian who wrote a wonderful and thought-provoking piece after 9/11 (2001). Carlin died on June 22, 2008. I share with you Carlin’s message.
THE PARADOX OF OUR TIME
The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings, but shorter tempers – wider freeways but narrower view- points.
We spend more but have less. We buy more, but we enjoy less. We have bigger houses and smaller families – more conveniences, but less time. We have more degrees, but less sense – more knowledge, but less judgment – more experts, yet more problems – more medicine, but less wellness. We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly, laugh too little, drive too fast, get too angry, stay up too late, get up too tired, read too little, watch TV too much and pray too seldom. We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values. We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often. We’ve learned how to make a living, but not a life. We’ve added years to our life, not life to our years. We’ve been all the way to the moon and back, but have trouble crossing the street to meet a new neighbor. We’ve conquered outer space, but not inner space. We’ve done larger things, but not better things. We’ve cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul. We’ve conquered the atom, but not our prejudice. We write more, but learn less. We’ve learned to rush, but not to wait. We build more computers to hold more information, to produce more copies than ever, but we communicate less and less. These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion – big men and small character – steep profits and shallow relationships. These are the days of two incomes, but more divorce – fancier houses, but broken homes.
These are the days of quick trips, disposable diapers, throwaway morality, one night stands, overweight bodies, and pills that do everything from cheer, to quiet, to kill. It is a time when there is much in the showroom window and nothing in the stockroom. A time when technology can bring this letter to you, and a time when you can choose either to share this insight, or just throw it away. Remember, spend some time with your loved ones, because they are not going to be around forever. Remember, say a kind word to someone who looks up to you in awe, because that little person will grow up and leave your side. Remember to give a warm hug to the one next to you, because that is the only treasure you can give with your heart and it doesn’t cost a cent. Remember to say, “I love you” to your spouse and your loved ones, but most of all mean it. A kiss and an embrace will mend hurt when it omes from deep inside of you. Remember to hold hands and cherish the moment for someday that person will not be there again. Give time to love, give time to speak and give time to share the precious thoughts in your mind.
May I add, share the precious feelings in your heart and listen to the whispers of your soul. Now is the time to “put on Christ.” If not now – when?
In a fall reflective mood,... ...Fr. Peter