Surgery patients are forever grateful for the skilled physician’s hands that successfully performed their operation. Art enthusiasts travel far and wide to view the work of geniuses whose paintings or sculpturing grace the world’s famous art museums. In truth, none of these gifted individuals could achieve any success if it were not for the instruments in their hands. A well- honed scalpel, a quality brush and an expertly forged chisel are all necessary items for the successful completion of a work.
The famous Prayer of St. Francis begins, “Lord, make me an instrument of your peace”. All of us are instruments in God’s hands. We are the brush, the scalpel or the chisel that God can use to leave His image on the souls of those whose lives we touch. During my years as Pastor of Sacred Heart, I have tried to be the best instrument possible in order to impress the image of Christ on the souls entrusted to my care. I must also acknowledge that Our Lord has been using each of you to sharpen the image of Christ on my own soul. As I have listened to your faith-filled stories and witnessed your silent courage in the face of life’s trials, my vision of Our Lord’s presence within you has sharpened immensely.
The first Apostles had Jesus pointed out to them by John the Baptist and started to follow Him. When Jesus noticed them, He asked, “What are you looking for?” and they asked, “Rabbi, where are you staying?” Jesus answered, “Come and you will see”. (John 1:38-39) Anyone looking today for where Christ can be found has only to open the doors of Sacred Heart. As I finish my term as Pastor, I leave with a somewhat sad but enormously grateful heart. I came to Sacred Heart and found where Jesus stayed and where He always will be. God bless you all and thank you.
P.S.
If the comments made during the past years are to be believed, this column is enjoyed by many. I must give credit where credit is due regarding my inspiration for these weekly articles. My father always read my literary efforts which appeared in the publications put out by parishes where I served. When I was appointed Pastor of St. James, Manchester, it was his idea that I write a weekly column and thus utilize what he felt was a God-given talent. It was with his initiative that I began these articles and it is in his memory that I continued them. I thank you for your support and see each compliment as a tribute to my father without whose encouragement they never would have begun.
