John Kenneth Galbraith(a)OC (October 15, 1908-April 29, 2006), also known as Ken Galbraith, was a Canadian American Economist, diplomat, public official and intellectual. He famously said
“Meetings are indispensable when you don’t want to do anything.”
Last Saturday’s follow up meeting with Fr. John O’Brien was possibly one of those meetings, and I don’t think John would mind me saying this. In thanking all who gave of their time in attending this, and previous meetings, we need to acknowledge perhaps, that having ideas for going forward needs a radical rethink. Sometimes we can be boxed in by concerns that are light years away from where the real challenges are.
George Ball, the former United States Ambassador to the UN famously said, ‘Nostalgia is a seductive liar.’
We all appreciate our own, and religious histories, but we also need to face the uncomfortable reality, perhaps, that a different understanding of parish requires a listening process, especially to our younger members, that does not sit gently with our personal journey. Can I thank you all for making the time and effort to share your hopes and concerns at each of these meetings.
Two successive weeks of celebrating First Holy Communions in the parish always brings summer joy. However, reception of the Eucharist is a lifelong journey of spiritual nourishment that requires encouragement in a secular age. My sincere thanks to our schools and catechists for laying the foundations, but without the encouragement of parents, then the children face an uphill struggle in appreciating the extraordinary reality of grace and spiritual food they have received for the first time.
‘It is not enough for Christian parents to nourish only the bodies of their children; even animals do this. They must also nourish their souls in grace, in virtue, and in God’s holy commandments.”
St. Catherine of Sienna.
Peace on Stormy Seas
I sailed upon a tranquil sea
Where all was peace and calm;
I felt my life serene and blessed,
I knew not storm or qualm.
Then clouds of doubt began to form,
The wind did stir and blow;
My tranquil sea did heave and toss,
I felt my anguish grow.
I cried, "Dear Lord, are you out there?
You see my ship storm-tossed?
Why do you leave me here alone?
I fear I may be lost."
God smiled and spoke these simple words,
"Peace my child, just be still;
I'm the God of the raging sea,
The waves obey my will."
"Hook your anchor onto 'The Rock'
That holds your vessel sure.
No evil can alarm you child,
I'll keep your life secure."
"No harm will touch you if you trust
And place your faith in me;
Your storm-tossed ship will once again
Sail on a tranquil sea.”
"So do not fear the storms of life
That oft assail your soul;
I am the Master of the Sea,
I'm always in control."
"The storms will surely strengthen you
When on rough seas you sail,
For you will know the victory
That comes when you prevail."
[ Linda J. Stevenson -- From Daine, via 'Inspired Buffalo' ]
