Friday, October 26, 2007

The Manly Bishop

Just got back from Mass, which is always miraculous, amazing, and the pinnacle of my day. But today's Mass had an added dimension: it was concelebrated by about a gazillion priests who were in town for the University's Vocation Awareness Fair, and presided over by the Bishop Joseph Estabrook of the Archdiocese for the Military Services (USA). It was very compelling for me to contemplate the face of Christ in this particular Bishop. He struck me as a "no sh*t" kind of man, if you'll pardon the expression. Does anyone spend more time confronting grizzly realities about death and serious moral choices than a military chaplain? His homily was full of wisdom borne of personal struggles, planted in his life by God and bearing fruit for others. He was, in a word, manly. And yes, he spoke of tears and deep bonds with the people he served.

It made me realize again God's call: please, embrace being who you are! God made you that way because He likes you that way, and so much good can come from His plan for you if you just go with it!!

4 comments:

Lisa said...

Getting so much wisdom from you. I'm your opposite temperament, but struggle with the same problems. It's always good to see I'm not the only one! God did make each of us unique with Divine Purpose. Thanks for this perspective!

Leonie said...

Wow, the Bishop sounds like someone I'd like to meet!

Anonymous said...

Ohhhh I am sorry to have missed that mass.
Instead we were stuck in the rain and mud trying to get hay for the goats......

Molly

Ladybug Mommy Maria said...

Sounds like a great Mass and experience!!!!!