Beloved Family:
When it comes to rectory living, it is my guess that priests assigned together are typically of different rather than identical temperaments. That ought not surprise us, nor ought it be concluded that this translates into incompatibility. After all, husbands and wives are often very distinct personalities, beyond the obvious physiological differences. We speak of complementarity—that is, “combining in such a way as to enhance or emphasize the qualities of each other or another.” I am grateful to be able to say that this makes life in the rectory an adventure, in the best sense. Fr. David, Deacon Nathan and I are anything but clones, and yet it works! Clearly, when we share a love for Christ, the vocation of priesthood, and a commitment to serve, if anything the diversity provides for the needs of the people entrusted to our care—and we to theirs.
Why am I bringing this up this particular weekend? Not because it is National Rectory Living Week (I do not believe there is such an observance, at least not yet). Rather, as we celebrate the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, we can note how different these two apostles were, in many ways. While it is easy to depict them standing together, in paintings and in statuary, they (and really all the apostles) represent marked diversity. Here are insights from the late Holy Father, Pope Francis:
We celebrate together two very different individuals: Peter, a fisherman who spent his days amid boats and nets, and Paul, a learned Pharisee who taught in synagogues. When they went forth on mission, Peter spoke to Jews, and Paul to pagans. And when their paths crossed, they could argue heatedly, as Paul is unashamed to admit in one of his letters (cf. Galatians 2:11). In short, they were two very different people, yet they saw one another as brothers … Yet the closeness that joined Peter and Paul did not come from natural inclinations, but from the Lord. He did not command us to like one another, but to love one another. He is the one who unites us, without making us all alike. He unites us in our differences.
HOLY MASS AND BLESSING OF THE SACRED PALLIUM FOR THE NEW METROPOLITAN ARCHBISHOPS ON THE SOLEMNITY OF SAINTS PETER AND PAUL, APOSTLES, HOMILY OF HIS HOLINESS POPE FRANCIS, Saint Peter’s Basilica, Monday, 29 June 2020
This week, our nation marks its 249th anniversary of independence. We can—and ought—to be exceptionally grateful for the freedoms we enjoy in this country. That said, I wonder if most citizens recognize how fragile the balance is, at any given moment. We are concluding Religious Freedom Week (June 22, the Memorial of St. Thomas More and St. John Fisher, British Martyrs)-June 29, the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul). While the period is at its conclusion, here are three recommended related prayer intentions for our consideration:
Political Polarization: Pray that Catholics will have the courage to put the truth of the gospel and fidelity to the Church above partisan politics.
IVF Mandates: Pray for couples who suffer fertility challenges, and that political leaders would promote therapies that respect the dignity of all human persons.
Catholic Healthcare: Pray that governments will respect the consciences of all people who care for the sick and vulnerable.
On behalf of Fr. David, Deacon Bob and Deacon Nathan, we hope for you and your families a blessed, safe and very civil Independence Day holiday.
Let His Peace be with you,
Fr. Stephen
