JUNE 2009 REFLECTION

HOLY SPIRIT’S GUIDANCE FOR THE REST OF OUR LIVES

Chaplain’s Message
by Father James Zakowicz, O.C.D.

Since Easter, our daily Scriptures have given us a glimpse into the foundation of the early Church. We have heard stories of the work done by our forefathers in faith after they received the Holy Spirit. It was certainly not without struggle and persecution. Now that we have celebrated the Ascension and Pentecost it is important to reflect upon how the Holy Spirit wants to lead us during the rest of the year, indeed the rest of our lives.

We are still faced with a severe economic downturn and, worse, a government whose leadership is adamantly opposed to what we stand for. We need a fresh outpouring from the Comforter. This name connotes a feeling of warmth and peace but the word itself denotes "strength;" strength for the battle. We are in a struggle for our religious freedom.

Three events are on my mind this month and they occur in a row. We begin the Year of the Priest June 19th; I am ordained priest on the 20th; and on Father’s Day the 21st I celebrate my Mass of Thanksgiving. I will never be a biological father of a family and lay people are not ministerial priests but we do have these two roles in common – priesthood and parenthood. What can be said of one is often true of the other even though there are distinctions; I am a "spiritual father" and the laity are "secular priests."

Therefore, I think Pope John Paul’s admonition to priests applies to all of us: "Only a holy priest can become, in an increasingly secularized world, a resounding witness to Christ and his Gospel…."  Elsewhere, he says, "The truest secret to authentic pastoral success does not lie in material means, much less sophisticated programs. The lasting results of pastoral endeavors are born in the holiness of the priest" (Gift and Mystery). He sums up by reminding us that people are looking not for programs but for the person of Christ. 

As we continue our battle for the truth and for the salvation of souls by doing good works to build up the Kingdom, let us first develop our relationship with Christ who is our model of priest, prophet and king As Fray Junipero Serra used to say:  "Adelante!"

Let's keep moving forward to strive for the greatest reward possible – union with God in eternity.