Letters from Canada - 18 December 2014
Bishop Cornelius: A few months ago Father Mark shared with me ideas and theories tossed around among his philosophical friends, concepts which at first seemed strange, maybe nonsensical, but right now both of us maybe good examples of those concepts. Simply stated, contradictions are to be found in both God and Human Beings. From childhood we learn that God is a Loving Being that created and cares for all of us. As we mature into adulthood, we discover the world that God created is sometimes a beautiful paradise no words or paintings can express but at other times that paradise becomes a violent and destructive world, where we witness earthquakes, tornadoes, and volcanoes extinguish precious human life. To that add human misery and suffering from the beginning of our history to the present time. Human Beings are also a study of contradictions. Homo Sapiens history narrates feats of wondrous accomplishments and displays of heroic love but in parallel are acts of tragic destruction with murderous hate. (The concept of Divine and Human contradictions will be explored in future “Letters”).
Today on a much smaller and less grand scale, both Father Mark and I are examples of contradictions found in the interactions of two close friends. Father Mark as a conscientious pastor will not leave his post while He pursues his mission to find Mary. I will not approve his mission while at the same time provide support for Him to succeed. The contradiction on God’s part is that in Father Mark’s prayers, God is telling Him to rescue Mary, but in my prayers, God is warning me that this pursuit has many risks to Father Mark’s wellbeing and priestly vocation.
As I gather my thoughts, Father Mark is waiting for my response. Facing Father Mark I begin with:
Mark, I cannot approve this mission or grant you a leave of absence. Do you realize that in this search for this lost soul you will be sailing in uncharted waters? Are you prepared to endure an emotional roller-coaster ride that comes with such personal involvement? Even if Mary is found safe, how will you deal with the underlying demons that propelled Mary to abandon her family and friends? What’s next, involvement in every one’s personal problems?
Father Mark: You know as well as I do the answer is yes! God created all of us as social beings that need and depend on each other. God sent Jesus to show us by example how to be there for each other.
In Charles Schulz’s Peanuts cartoon series two of the characters Lucy and her bother Linus argue over the meaning of life. Lucy sad and dejected questions our purpose for being here. Linus optimistically response by telling Lucy our purpose in life is to make other people happy. Because Lucy was unhappy, Lucy in an angry and loud voice screams “SOMEONE IS NOT DOING THEIR JOB”! Given the pain and misery surrounding us, Lucy is right, for many of us including Lucy we are not doing our jobs very well.
Mary was troubled and those around her including myself knew it but did little about it. Following in Jesus’s footsteps, I will search for this lost Child of God and trust God that things will work out. Hopefully my example will inspire others to help those I can’t reach.
Bishop Cornelius: Feedback to my office from yours friends and foes indicate a personal crisis of faith and identity. Your support for Catholic Church doctrine and policies is ambivalent. In part I do blame Susan’s influence but also realize that you are tormented by internal conflicts. This search is not just about finding a Lost Sheep named Mary but also a search for a Lost Shepard named Father Mark.
As Bishop my loyalty to the Church prevents me from frankly discussing doctrine and policies with you. But off the record I will retire soon and work as an ordinary priest. It is the best way for me to follow Pope Francis’s example in imitating Jesus by relating, guiding, and helping God’s people. At that time we will have a heart to heart talk about our faith and our Church.
In your search, I want you to follow these guidelines and observe some boundaries. They will not shield you from inappropriate behavior, but they will protect me from accusations I did nothing to curb or restrict your adventure.
First you must continue your responsibilities as Pastor of St. Theresa’s parish. If the need arises and I am available, I will be your backup. In the meantime, be prepared to work remotely using an IPhone and a better laptop computer.
Your next step must be to inform your parishioners of your undertaking and be transparent as much as possible on this matter. I would suggest you tell your parishioners about this during a Sunday Sermon. Please share with me ahead of time the contents of your presentation so that I can alert William and his family to be present during this special sermon and not be surprised by it.
If travel and overnight stays are involved on this mission, no alone
automobile road trips with Susan. If possible stay at different hotels and always meet in public settings. The same rules apply to your new friend Ginger.
Father Mark: There have been many times when I came close to crossing the line drawn by my vows to God. But I am still here and still working for God. In the past I may have taken unwise risks, but this is different. Some of my internal conflicts are based on questions if what I do really matters. This really matters! When I tell people that God cares for them, they will see it in my example. Thank You for trying to understand my side of this dilemma and in a way supporting me.
To be continued in “Letters From Canada 19”
Bishop Cornelius: A few months ago Father Mark shared with me ideas and theories tossed around among his philosophical friends, concepts which at first seemed strange, maybe nonsensical, but right now both of us maybe good examples of those concepts. Simply stated, contradictions are to be found in both God and Human Beings. From childhood we learn that God is a Loving Being that created and cares for all of us. As we mature into adulthood, we discover the world that God created is sometimes a beautiful paradise no words or paintings can express but at other times that paradise becomes a violent and destructive world, where we witness earthquakes, tornadoes, and volcanoes extinguish precious human life. To that add human misery and suffering from the beginning of our history to the present time. Human Beings are also a study of contradictions. Homo Sapiens history narrates feats of wondrous accomplishments and displays of heroic love but in parallel are acts of tragic destruction with murderous hate. (The concept of Divine and Human contradictions will be explored in future “Letters”).
Today on a much smaller and less grand scale, both Father Mark and I are examples of contradictions found in the interactions of two close friends. Father Mark as a conscientious pastor will not leave his post while He pursues his mission to find Mary. I will not approve his mission while at the same time provide support for Him to succeed. The contradiction on God’s part is that in Father Mark’s prayers, God is telling Him to rescue Mary, but in my prayers, God is warning me that this pursuit has many risks to Father Mark’s wellbeing and priestly vocation.
As I gather my thoughts, Father Mark is waiting for my response. Facing Father Mark I begin with:
Mark, I cannot approve this mission or grant you a leave of absence. Do you realize that in this search for this lost soul you will be sailing in uncharted waters? Are you prepared to endure an emotional roller-coaster ride that comes with such personal involvement? Even if Mary is found safe, how will you deal with the underlying demons that propelled Mary to abandon her family and friends? What’s next, involvement in every one’s personal problems?
Father Mark: You know as well as I do the answer is yes! God created all of us as social beings that need and depend on each other. God sent Jesus to show us by example how to be there for each other.
In Charles Schulz’s Peanuts cartoon series two of the characters Lucy and her bother Linus argue over the meaning of life. Lucy sad and dejected questions our purpose for being here. Linus optimistically response by telling Lucy our purpose in life is to make other people happy. Because Lucy was unhappy, Lucy in an angry and loud voice screams “SOMEONE IS NOT DOING THEIR JOB”! Given the pain and misery surrounding us, Lucy is right, for many of us including Lucy we are not doing our jobs very well.
Mary was troubled and those around her including myself knew it but did little about it. Following in Jesus’s footsteps, I will search for this lost Child of God and trust God that things will work out. Hopefully my example will inspire others to help those I can’t reach.
Bishop Cornelius: Feedback to my office from yours friends and foes indicate a personal crisis of faith and identity. Your support for Catholic Church doctrine and policies is ambivalent. In part I do blame Susan’s influence but also realize that you are tormented by internal conflicts. This search is not just about finding a Lost Sheep named Mary but also a search for a Lost Shepard named Father Mark.
As Bishop my loyalty to the Church prevents me from frankly discussing doctrine and policies with you. But off the record I will retire soon and work as an ordinary priest. It is the best way for me to follow Pope Francis’s example in imitating Jesus by relating, guiding, and helping God’s people. At that time we will have a heart to heart talk about our faith and our Church.
In your search, I want you to follow these guidelines and observe some boundaries. They will not shield you from inappropriate behavior, but they will protect me from accusations I did nothing to curb or restrict your adventure.
First you must continue your responsibilities as Pastor of St. Theresa’s parish. If the need arises and I am available, I will be your backup. In the meantime, be prepared to work remotely using an IPhone and a better laptop computer.
Your next step must be to inform your parishioners of your undertaking and be transparent as much as possible on this matter. I would suggest you tell your parishioners about this during a Sunday Sermon. Please share with me ahead of time the contents of your presentation so that I can alert William and his family to be present during this special sermon and not be surprised by it.
If travel and overnight stays are involved on this mission, no alone
automobile road trips with Susan. If possible stay at different hotels and always meet in public settings. The same rules apply to your new friend Ginger.
Father Mark: There have been many times when I came close to crossing the line drawn by my vows to God. But I am still here and still working for God. In the past I may have taken unwise risks, but this is different. Some of my internal conflicts are based on questions if what I do really matters. This really matters! When I tell people that God cares for them, they will see it in my example. Thank You for trying to understand my side of this dilemma and in a way supporting me.
To be continued in “Letters From Canada 19”