Today marks my father’s first death anniversary and true to form, I still continue to learn from him.   

My father was not as talkative as I am being a more “sedate” banker that he was all his life.  Whereas, I was in sales for a long time; therefore, the “gift of gab” was something I needed to develop.  During the times my father and I would find ourselves in deep conversation, his wisdom was always “spot on”.  Today, even a year after his passing, I could still hear his voice whenever I had something bothering me or am at a crossroads where a choice will have to be made.  “Did you ask what God has to say?” 

This was what he would always ask me, and in hindsight, this was where I developed having many conversations with God in the course of the day.  

Interestingly enough, my Dad’s message has always been the same with what we hear from the Lord in this Sunday’s gospel – “Do not be complacent with your health, your wealth, and your faith!”  Indeed, it is a wisdom-filled reminder from someone who chose to go the way of the Lord all the time.  As someone said, “Eat half, walk twice and Love without measure!”  My Dad would say, “LOVE GOD WITHOUT MEASURE!”

Complacency, indeed, maybe the scourge that has brought us to be “lost” in ourselves.  Instead of stoking the “fire of faith”, we have been lukewarm with what we need to deal with and passionate about the trivialities of life.  

Our participation in our church has taken a backseat when it means we have to move out of our comfort zones – even for just a while.   Let’s think about it!  When was the last time we put God FIRST before our own desires?  

Father's note Continues on top of the next column 

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BUT, BECAUSE I ASKED, we are now well on our way to fully financing the second air condition unit and inquiries have been made about helping with the fixing of our parking lot.   Now you know why the first words of this part of the bulletin are “AMAZINGLY GENEROUS!”  Last Sunday, I received pledges for over $10,000.00 and I AM TRULY GRATEFUL.  

AND YES, IT’S MY BIRTHDAY TOMORROW!  September 26 has always been a day that I looked forward to until last year when my father passed away just the day before.  I realize that this will be a tough one for me as it is the first one without both my parents.  Please say a prayer for me and all I ask the Lord is to help me be a better priest.