I have been very busy of late, on all sides of life. The demands of people upon time and talent are significant and justified, so I can do nothing less than respond as best I can.
I have been doing a lot of thinking about evangelization, the New Evangelization, and the opportunities before us in this New Evangelization. I have a couple of Days of Reflection coming up that I will lead for two different diaconal communities in two different dioceses as soon as Lent starts and in each I will be reflecting with my brother deacons on these themes. I am looking forward to these chances to be with these men and their wives. It will be a time of enrichment for all involved.
My annual talk to seminarians at the nearby college-level diocesan seminary is coming up in a couple of weeks. The vice rector there invariably asks me to present on the same topic, i.e., Male Spirituality. It always engenders a good bit of conversation between me and the seminarians in attendance. It also fits in nicely with my thoughts about evangelization. In talking with these young men about “masculine spirituality” I will hear described by a few if not more difficult relationships with their fathers. So much, it seems, of our spirituality as men finds its roots in our experience of our fathers’ spirituality which was either overtly or indirectly taught to us as young boys.
I am anticipating with eager delight conferring baptism on a young child this weekend. This will be the second baptism in less than an month! I just love it! O the smell of Chrism….
It is my hope that all of you have a very peaceful week, and a renewal in this “ordinary time” of your hearts, minds and spirits. May God bless each of you richly!
Deacon Bob
