We are all nuts

The other thing that I missed while not blogging was my anniversary as a priest. It’s been 33 years ago last Nov. 29th, and the weather was similar to this year.  It caused me to think about my experiences and what I learned.  I put this together as a going away gift for my last associate who became a pastor. I liked it and I want to share with you. 

My first pastor was Fr. Jim Lennon. Whenever anything different or peculariar happened he would always say to me,  ”Remember Frank  we are all nuts, and some of us are a little more cracked than others.”   This lesson thought me to accept others, no matter how different they may be, because someone is looking at me not accepting me becasue I am different.  In becoming a pastor I learned the following:

Pastoral Lesson #1. 

No matter what anyone else does on your staff or parish. You are always the one who is to blame. Truman had the idea when he had a desk plaque that read, “ The Buck stops here”  let me share with you what used to be on my desk, only for me to read however:

My Job

It’s not my place to run the ship

The horn I cannot blow

It’s not my place to say how far

The Ship’s allowed to go.

It’s not my place to chart the course

Nor even toll the bell

But let the damn thing start to sink,

And see who catches Hell. 

Pastoral Lesson #2 Be flexible.

This is Gumby. 

Gumby was a cartoon character when I was young.

A common saying in the United States Marine Corps is “Semper Gumby” which jokingly translates to “always flexible”. This is based on the true motto of the Marine Corps — Semper Fidelis, or “always faithful”.

I keep a action figure of Gumby on my desk, and by reflecting on this has kept me out of any number of battles and problems.   It’s not all about you anyway, so lighten up and be flexible, like Gumby.

Scripture readings

Psalm 16 :5   “Oh Lord you are my allotted portion and my cup, you it is who holds fast my lot.” ( Answers the question, “Why am I doing this?” )

Luke:  17 So you also, when you have done everything you were told to do, should say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty.’ ” ( speaks to the temptation to be appreciated.)  

Matthew.  20: 25-28  Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave— just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

 ( besides hearing this from our first seminary rector to the point of nauseum, the lesson was beaten into our heads and it is well learned. Ministry is about service.

Luke 1: 38  “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May it be to me as you have said.” Then the angel left her.   If I ever have a coat of Arms this is what will be on the bottom.

And lastly a prayer of St. Theresa that circulates around the web. A lot. Helpful during times of transferring from one parish to another. 

St. Theresa’s Prayer

May today there be peace within.
May you trust God that you are exactly where you are meant to be.

May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith.
May you use those gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you.

May you be content knowing you are a child of God.
Let this presence settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love. It is there for each and every one of you.