Beloved Family:
Recently, a parishioner who regularly forwards to me pages from a daily devotional he uses, sent me an entry that referred to the Holy Spirit as a “tutor.” Immediately, I was struck by the appropriateness of this term for my life. We often refer to Jesus and the Holy Spirit as teachers; after all, one of the titles used by the apostles in reference to Jesus is “Rabbi.” All of us encounter teachers in life, beginning with our parents, our “first teachers in the ways of Faith,” to paraphrase the Rite of Baptism.
On the other hand, when I hear “tutor,” I think of someone who needs extra guidance, above and beyond the mainstream—the “regular class hours.” I may not have received formal tutoring while in school, but most surely do I need constant tutoring in the spiritual life. From another daily prayer resource, the presenter cites a verse from this past Wednesday’s gospel, drawn from John (5:30b): “…I seek not my own will but the will of him who sent me,” and then commented: “easier said than done.”
How often I erroneously approach my day—even my prayer period—with my plan in hand, approaching the Lord not so much with childlike confidence as with childish presumption: “Dad, here’s what I want and how I intend to accomplish it, and you’ll surely help me, won’t you?” One of the first functions of an automobile that a new driver needs to master is applying the breaks. One of the elements within the spiritual life in which I require constant remediation is waiting upon the Lord, rather than expecting Him to wait on me.
My mind and my heart harken back to the First Sunday of Lent, when we read and heard these words from Saint Matthew’s gospel: “At that time Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil” (Matthew 4:1). I distinctly recall saying, within my homily: “Let the Spirit guide you into the desert this Lent.” How well have I practiced my own preaching? Time for more tutoring, Holy Spirit! Here we are, already arriving at the Fifth Sunday of Lent, and I have managed to try managing largely independently from you instead of relying on you with anything even approximating total trust. Please do not drop me as a student, dear Holy Spirit!”
Of course, we have the assurance of God’s constancy in the face of our obstinacy and our fickleness. Nevertheless, I pray you will all join me in asking his grace and mercy at every turn. As we hear the account of the Raising of Lazarus this weekend, may we take note of the reality that the Lord’s timing is up to the Lord, as intimated by these words: “Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. So, when he heard that he was ill, he remained for two days in the place where he was” (John 11: 5-6). This is, for me, one of the most counterintuitive verses in all of Sacred Scripture. When someone we claim to love is in trouble, we need to rush forward into action without the slightest hesitation or delay, right?”
Often, when a need is made manifest, it is a good thing not to hurry but to take our time in prayerful consideration. I would like to suggest this posture as we move forward with the Called to Flourish: Our Church for the Future campaign. Following upon last weekend’s formal kickoff, I hope that individuals and families have been receiving the mailing providing more information on this diocesan and parish initiative. While a parish goal has been set, and while we surely hope for a high level of response as individuals within the parish to the bishop’s call and invitation, I nonetheless believe it is a good thing not to make a kneejerk reaction but truly to bathe our participation level in prayerful discernment. Speaking for myself, when I hear the term, “sacrificial gift,” it suggests taking time to listen for the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Be assured of my patience and understanding as we engage this process over the coming weeks. Time and time again, you have demonstrated that you are generous people!
Let His Peace be with you
Fr. Stephen
