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In 2014, I am facilitating a 12-week interactive online course in contemplative prayer and action for priests with Saint Luke Institute. Please visit SLIconnect.org to learn more: https://www.sliconnect.org/product/living-god-program-contemplative-life-2/
In 2014, I am facilitating a 12-week interactive online course in contemplative prayer and action for priests with Saint Luke Institute. Please visit SLIconnect.org to learn more: https://www.sliconnect.org/product/living-god-program-contemplative-life-2/
Wednesday 7th
Week of Easter
Springfield Priests’
Retreat
June 4, 2014
PARTING SCENE OF
PASTOR +++++++++++++++++++++
Ø
When a pastor is transferred, many emotions
arise among the parishioners
Ø
They include sadness – a beloved figure is being
taken from them – and fear – “Better the
devil you know than the devil you don’t know”
Ø
Whatever the reactions, these transitions are
always difficult
PARTING SCENE OF PAUL
& JESUS ++++++++++++++++
Ø
St. Paul’s farewell to Ephesus was very
emotional: we see Paul falling to his knees and praying with the, all of them
weeping loudly
Ø
They hug him and kiss him, pained by the though
they will never see him again
Ø
And then the entire party escorts him to the
ship
Ø
Their relationship is something beautiful. They
have been through much together
Ø
Previous good-byes had held the promise of his
return, but this time, “They would never
see his face again”
Ø
Jesus’ parting scene at the Last Supper is also
full of emotion
Ø
Jesus prays that his followers will be one, that
they’d have joy, and not succumb to the Evil One
Ø
His prayer is ~ a last-minute to-do list, an
assurance of support for the future
Ø
He knows their sorrow, uncertainty, and fears
PARTING SCENES ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Ø
These parting scenes are treasures of grace
Ø
They show that from the beginning the Church
depends on human relationships between pastors and people
Ø
So much of the good accomplished depends on this
relationship
Ø
Each pastor tries to do his best with his own
talents and shortcomings
Ø
Jesus & Paul experienced many emotions on
these occasions
CONCLUSION
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Ø
Recall leaving a parish you loved
Ø
The intensity of the emotions on such an
occasion is a positive sign of the beauty & strength of the XTN community
Ø
May pastors and people always have a hard-time
parting!
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
