The Family Foundation School Catholic Community Bulletin
Pauca Verba (a few words)
Tenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Lots of people ask why priests dress in black. Good question. It may have to do with the fact that the clothing of the poor was often black, brown, gray until modern times. That only royal people or people of status could afford colorful clothing. That the monks and lower clergy lived among the poor.
Father Stephen’s own thoughts about it all: “I give no thought to clothing. I don’t coordinate ties and shirts and suits and socks. I don’t worry that my shoes match the color of my pants. I’m freed from all of that in what I wear. Our culture is obsessed with clothing, style and appearances. Those things don’t matter – God does.
Some people think black sends a depressing message. I don’t think that’s so – people send happy or depressing messages – their faces and their ideas.
A priest’s clothing also creates an atmosphere around him. It’s easier for me to behave well when I’m wearing clerical clothes. It’s harder to be a jerk wearing what I wear. The clothes say: “Remember who you are.” And it’s a sign for people – I’m easy to pick out in a crowd. People often behave better when a priest is around. I like that.
Do I have color in my life? Yes, lots of it. I get my color from icons, Mass vestments and that I live in this part of the country which is so beautiful and filled with incredible color. I pay close attention to it all.
What about the cassock I wear? Most priests don’t wear that any more. I like it because it’s the clothing worn by priests down through the centuries. It connects me with holy men, great missionaries and priest-martyrs gone before me – men braver and more prayerful than I – men I’d like to be like.”
************************************************************************
The tender icon on the front of our bulletin this week is called “Our Lady of Perpetual Help” or “Virgin of the Passion.” I hope you recognize it as the icon of the Mother of God up front on the left of our chapel. Yuri painted that icon about 12 years ago! Have a look!
The little Jesus is frightened as he looks up into the sky and sees the angels holding the cross and the instruments of his passion and death. He flees to his Mother for safety so quickly that his shoe falls off.
But it is most interesting to take note of the position of his hands. Is he holding on – OR – is he in the moment of letting go? Perhaps that’s it! Already in his infancy, is Jesus sending us a message about surrender and acceptance. It’s a scary world – a daunting world. And we exhaust ourselves worrying about it all and trying so hard to control it and make it “happen” in an acceptable (easier?) way. But we miss this great truth – that God has joined us in our troubles and pain. He was born for us at Bethlehem “shivering in the chilly night.”
Make a visit to the icon in our chapel. Notice its details and especially Jesus’ hands. Do you see how they might be “letting go?” What about that?
***********************************************************************
Avoiding Rash Judgment: Turn your attention upon yourself and beware of judging the deeds of others, for in judging others we labor vainly, often make mistakes, and easily sin; whereas in judging and taking stock of ourselves we do something that is always profitable.
We frequently judge that things are as we wish them to be, for through personal feeling true perspective is easily lost.
If God were the sole object of our desire, we should not be disturbed so easily by opposition to our opinions. But often something lurks within or happens from without to draw us along with it.
Many unawares, seek themselves in the things they do. They seem even to enjoy peace of mind when things happen according to their wish and liking, but if otherwise than they desire, they are soon disturbed and saddened. Differences of feeling and opinion often divide friends and acquaintances, even those who are religious and devout.
An old habit is hard to break, and no one is willing to be led farther than he can see. If you rely more upon your intelligence or industry than upon the virtue of submission to Jesus Christ, you will hardly become an enlightened person. God wants us to be completely subject to Him and, through ardent love, to rise above all human wisdom. (Chapter 14 – The Imitation of Christ)
