The One "They" Didn't Get (Yet!)

Time to celebrate that One - The One "They" didn't get (yet.)

I am talking, here, to Catholics in particular, but also to Christians in general.

We are about to celebrate one of our Big Ones.

Pentecost is with us, one of our most major feasts and celebrations.

Actually, it is one of our Big Three in terms of historical and theological importance.

And it still stands as the One They" didn't get (yet.)

Among those top three stands Christmas, of course. Historically and theologically this is the least of the Big Three. Nevertheless, "They" got it.  Christmas  is rooted in religious meaning and significance but, let's face it, today one really has to dig deep to find that. Planning, shopping, preparing for Christmas begins, these days, when? Around Memorial Day? So much to do! So much to plan! Cards and presents and parties and gatherings and decorations, and . . . and  . .  and . . .

Oh, yes, and find the time to get to church! Squeeze that it, don't forget.

Yep! "They" got it.

OK, someone just might set forth the argument that Christmas really started out as a pagan feast  and then we, Christians, took it over and now, with the passage of time, the original owners are reclaiming it.

And an argument could be made for that sort of thinking but fact is, yes, there was originally a pagan feast centered around the darkest of days and the return of the great Sun God, but when Rome finally saw the Light and grew more and more Christian, that celebration no longer made sense but its meaning really did speak to one of our very basic tenets - that the True Light of the World has come to dwell among us.

And that deserves to be celebrated.

And for centuries, we did - at least until "They" got it and filled it with commercialism.

And  when "They" got Christmas, then there was Easter.

That one is the most important day in the Christian year, no question about it.

And it is so filled with theological significance that it presents a real challenge to those commercializers.

After all, how do you cutesy up something like death/resurrection, suffering to glory, redeeming love?

Well, it may have been a challenge and it may have taken it bit, but "They" did get it.

And now we have bunnies and chicks and all those cute little signs of springtime, because, after all, this really is all about springtime, isn't it?

And now those tasty Peeps are even appearing as soon as the Valentine chocolates disappear. (And, true, Valentine's Day is also one more of ours but Valentine's is only a rather minor player, actually not even on our official calendar of saints anymore.)

But as to Easter - now our young are being taught to assume that, just like Santa at Christmas, that Easter Bunny will be bringing not just candy treats but also more and more expensive, new toys and gadgets to celebrate springtime.That is what Easter is all about - springtime!

And so it is that "They" got Easter.

But "They" still have not found a way to get the one we are about to unfold again.

"They" have still not figured out how to get Pentecost.

And what do you do, what can you do with Tongues of Fire and that mighty whirlwind and those bold, very vocal proclaimers of the Good News of God's redeeming love, those folk who just days, even hours ago were shivering in their boots, locked behind shutters and doors. Something happened, seriously happened to cause them to break forth and speak out.

How do you cutesy that?

Well, maybe you do not even try.

After all, Pentecost is all about Church and Message and in today's world, who really wants the nuisance of Church and Message Especially that Message!

Church - you can whisper some prayers and mouth some hymns and spend your hour or so in your gathering.

But please, please - do not come bursting through those doors, shouting out your Message of that God and the power of that redeeming Love!

Just keep quiet, please. 

Pentecost will be ignored.

"They" won't try to get it. "They" do not want it.

And we can keep it just as long as we also keep our light under that bushel basket!

And leave "Them" alone!

But hopefully "We" know what to do with Pentecost!

Meantime, 

Keep Praying

 . . . and Stay Safe!

Oh! And get your shot! 

Saying It Out Loud!

Believe me.

I have thought long and hard about this writing. And, yes, I have even prayed over its possibility.

And I have gone back and forth. Should I write this? Or should I just let it go?

And, obviously, I have decided to write and not just let go. However, even as I write this, I want you to know that I am doing so not to garner some sort of "Poor you" responses or anything of the sort.

I have decided to write this because I hope that I am a person of faith and that faith colors my whole being. It tells me who I am and how I am and most importantly, how I should be.

And as a person of faith, I also hunger to see that gift and blessing in the lives of others, in your life. And I hunger to see the impact of faith in shaping the way you view your days and live your life.

And I also know that sometimes that can be difficult, sometimes even very, very difficult.

And I am thinking that maybe, just as in those days of old, when the likes of those first evangelists sought to spread the Good News, and when those words, mostly of personal testimony, enabled people of faith to live boldly even in the most trying of times, well, maybe, just maybe, words giving testimony of faith lived, can enable and embolden someone (you?) today in our times.

So it is that I have decided to share my today's story with you. And I hope and pray that, somehow, it may empower your faith as you seek to embrace what life is setting before you today.

The story I share really unfolded big time on March 30, 2021, although parts of it were already in play some time before.

March 30 - I had an appointment with my urologist. This was primarily a consult.

Some time before he was expressing suspicions about numbers and findings and stuff that fascinates those medical types. According to the things I was consulting, my numbers were just fine, expected and normal for someone of my age.  But he was not buying it. Something was looking suspicious and so he kept pursuing. Test and then still another test and let's take still another look.

And at that meeting on the 30th day of March he shared with me his conclusion. 

"We need to do a biopsy."

The numbers were not right and the indications were not right and we needed to check and see if, perhaps, something was hiding there, something we needed to face and deal with.

And so it was that a biopsy was scheduled. And we all know who comes to mind when we hear that word - biopsy!

But that was, on that day, only part of the story unfolding.

It seems that the evening before, thanks to the technology with which I choose to surround myself, my watch, yes! watch! signaled to me that it was detecting some sort of irregular cardiac activity and that, if not previously identified by my primary care person or any other, I should consult.

Now that is not exactly the sort of signal one needs before heading off to slumber!

But following through the next day I did call and inform my primary care person of that signal. Whereupon I was told to get into the office ASAP!

So from the biopsy consult, I headed off for still another adventure.

And the result of that one sent me to a cardiologist and that launched me into all sorts of testings and even today wearing one of those monitors and another test tomorrow and findings and results to be revealed likely at the end of the month of May.

Heart issues?

Well, who knows. Later on that one. But the possibilities are there.

And then there was that biopsy.

Initial results?

Stage One prostate cancer.

Yep! That word. Cancer.

We meet soon to discuss options and possibilities and courses of action.

And that at present is me - heart issues and cancer.

And I say that and share that because, as I said at the very beginning of this writing, I am a person of faith.

I am at peace and I am calm and I firmly believe that this is because, as a person of faith, i know that I am in the hands of One who loves me intensely. He takes care of me. He will continue to take care of me. No matter what direction things may take for me, I need not worry and, surprisingly, I do not worry. I am not worried.

Life is not about clinging to what we have right now.

Life, true life, is about being so truly free as to place one's self into the hands of the One who loves us and letting Him call the shots.

And doing that - one can find true peace.

And He did say, "Peace be with you!"

That is what He wants for every one of us.

I truly am at peace.

And I pray that you may you have that too!

Meantime, 

Keep Praying

 . . . and Stay Safe!

Oh! And get your shot! 

That "New World" Dawning

As more and more vaccines roll out and get into human arms, we are clearly moving to a time when this pandemic will be behind us. By that I do not mean to imply that Covid is totally finished with us - not yet; not for a long time and perhaps not ever. Covid will still be around, sort of like measles and chicken pox and such. However, thanks to medical science, we will be gaining the upper hand and eventually be able to get back to some sort of normal living.

But what might that normal living look like in this New World, this post-pandemic world?

I am going to set out some of my thoughts but I also invite you to put forth some of yours. Down below in this blog you find a pace for your comments. The whole idea of a blog is to stimulate thought and even evoke those comments and some discussion. So, while I set out some of my thoughts, how about joining in with some of yours?

And to start, here is an easy one from me.

Many a workplace has already changed permanently. 

The idea of working from home has caught on and as a result, it will not be going away. Offices may very well change in nature and homes may be   designed or redesigned to accommodate workspace. But the idea of working from home also means that an employer's potential for qualified workers can expand geographically. An additional bonus may well be a better, healthier morale as employees can more readily bond with their families.

And masks!

Think that they will totally go away?

I wonder.

I have been hearing folks remarking about how flu season and cold season became milder, likely due to mask wearing. And allergies are also being tempered by those masks. Maybe they will not be as intensely worn as during the days of pandemic but my suspicion is that they will be more used and more visible in public in the days ahead.

And Zoom! or some form of Zoom is definitely here to stay.

A means for connecting across the miles, a means for inviting into meetings and lectures and various other activities has now been opened. It needs to be continued and even expanded. Homebound can now "get out." Got home late from work? No problem. Zoom in and have your say at that meeting of the church ushers.

And right alongside the Zoom stuff - let's take a glance at what has been happening with churches. And while I am sure there has been an impact across the board on all denominations and faith traditions, I can rather knowingly speak with the Catholic Church in mind.

Streaming Masses! Definitely these need to continue. And no! Emphatically, NO! They must not be allowed to take the place of our real presence. We need to renew ourselves as a faith community, to see each other, speak with each other, share the all so long absent greeting of peace and even get in one another's way. We need to physically affirm that we are not in some sort of solitary relationship with God but rather in that healthy relationship that includes all of God's children. 

However, having said that, I still strongly believe in the value of streaming parish Masses. Think about it. Parish members who for whatever reason cannot physically join the faith community, those who are limited by physical disabilities or medical situations could still be present with the faith community. Sure, there have been and still are those Masses for shut-ins but, let's face it. Is it not far better to be able to join in prayer and worship with people you know, seeing faces you recognize, maybe even exchanging those little sidebar messages.

And how about challenging parishes to really get creative with Sunday streaming? How about getting lists of those participating via the internet. And then commissioning Ministers of the Eucharist to go directly from the live Mass to the homes of those participating by streaming and actually join them to the live community by bringing them Communion!

Can't be done? Says who?

A New World demands some new thoughts and new ideas and new ways - and hopefully better ways.

I hav set out a couple of my ideas.

What about you.

See that word blow "Comment"? The number ahead of it indicates there is a coment or two. It is also a link inviting you to open, read and more.

That's for you to share an idea or two or offer a comment as well. Click and, behold, a chance to offer your own wisdom!

Come on! Join the conversation. Let's together imagine that New World as it is coming into being.

Meantime, 

Keep Praying

 . . . and Stay Safe! 

An Upside-down World

 Welcome to the upside-down world of God!

That is the thought before me as we enter again these days, the most sacred, most significant of all our days in the year.

It is Triduum - the span of time stretching from evening of Thursday on through that Friday and into Silent Saturday until finally culminating on Sunday Evening. Three Days that actually seem to merge into one. Three Days unlike any other in all of human history.

These  Three Days set before us the World of God, the Upside-down World of God.

As these Days begin Jesus, the One called Lord and Master washes feet, the feet of His followers.

Greatness is found in service and not in mastery.

Welcome to the Upside-down World of God!

Then at table the Almighty One chooses to come to us not with thunder and lightening and roaring, whirling winds but through the fragile Signs of Bread and Wine transformed.

Welcome to the Upside-down World of God!

And in that garden we hear a prayer. It is not - "Let me have it my way!" Nor do we hear - "I know what is good for me or right for me." It is "Not My will but Thine be done!"

Welcome to the Upside-down World of God!

Then comes Friday - that Friday and we are hearing other words, strange words, strange especially from Someone so abused, so broken, so beaten, so unfairly, unjustly treated.

"Father, forgive them. They know not what they are doing!"

Forgive!

Welcome to the Upside-down World of God!

And on that cross we see One stronger, nobler, more in control than those in power who have put Him there.

"This day you will be with Me in paradise!"

"Into Your hands I commend My spirit!"

Strength present in what looks like weakness.

Welcome to the Upside-down World of God!

And on Saturday we wait in the silence of what looks like a burial place, a cemetery but what is really a garden, a place where life is stirring.

Not a cemetery but a garden!

Welcome to the Upside-down World of God!

And then comes that Sunday, that day unlike any in all of human history.

He is dead!

Look again!

Where's the body?

Why are you looking for the living among the dead?

Welcome to the Upside-down World of God!

You think you know what is real?

You don't really know anything until you start getting to know the Kingdom of God, and then you begin to discover that God's ways are truly nowhere near our ways.

Welcome to the Upside-down World of God!

Meantime, 

Keep Praying

 . . . and Stay Safe! 

OK! Alitalia!

 (Just to let you know - you are coming in in the middle of a story and to understand what follows, you really need to first read the previous two blogs.)

So, there we were, up high in the sky, flying along smoothly on ur way from New York to Milan.

Only our destination was supposed to be Rome.

But way up high in that sky there was not much anyone could do about the situation. Sit back; relax; enjoy a beverage; get ready to have some dinner.

At a certain point when things seemed to be settling in the cabin, I decided this might be a good time to draw attention to the fact that the airline had on board a number of passangers crossing the Atlantic and headed to the wrong destination.

I got the attention of one of the flight attendants and I set before her our plight.

She assured that she would get to work on this situation immediately and so she did.

Within minutes she was back to inform me that the airline was well aware of our situation and that, even as we sailed all those miles up there in the air, Alitalia was at work to provide us with proper connections.

When we would land in Milan, we would pass through international customs and then be escorted to a flight which would take us directly to Rome.

Not only that. Our travel agency was also now on top of the situation. They knew what was being arranged. Out guide was being notified and when we did finally land in Rome, the guide would be ready and waiting to get us  going on the trip that had been planned.

We would be fine.

All was good.

Sit back and relax.

Alitalia was in control of things.

And so we continued up high in the sky with breakfast served and customs forms passed out and filled out and everything in the ready. Finally, we landed in Milan and were efficiently escorted through customs and passport check. We sat as a group together in the waiting area and only a short time later our names were being called to board our flight to Rome.

At last!

One by one we took our seats on the plane that would take us the final leg of that incredible journey.

One by one . . .  until . . .

All seats were filled and preparations were being made for our departure but something was just not right. Some familiar faces, faces of members of our group were missing!

Stop! I proclaimed.

We are missing some of our group.

A very courteous flight attendant informed me that all seats were filled and those left behind would be placed a different flight, a flight, I was also informed, that would be going to a "slightly different" airport in Rome.

But they could not go to a different airport! We were a group and many had never traveled to Rome before and we would be split and they would be lost. Unsatisfactory solution!

I would not seat down and get strapped in.

We needed a better solution.

I was escorted off the plane by an airline official who took me into another one of those impressive managerial  offices so a call could be made to somewhere higher up to see what could be done about this situation.

Call made and still another flight slightly delayed because of our group. I was asked to sit with those who had been left behind, seven to be exact. We were assured that everything would be just fine.

Moments later the parade began.

Passengers were being escorted off the flight that should have been on its way to Rome.

One, two, three . . . all in all seven removed.

And then the attendant came to us to lead us onto that flight with the seventh had been left behind now have seats. Seven others unfortunately were soon to be on their way on a different flight to a "slightly different" airport in Rome.

And we, at last, as a group all together were on our way to Rome.

Short flight and sure enough upon arrival there was our tour guide all set to met us and get us on our way almost as planned and almost right on time even after all that had transpired.

With one little concern still remaining.

Our luggage!

Where did it go?

No problem!

Alitalia had handled it all.

The luggage was right there in Rome in the airport under the guard of our tour guide and just waiting for us to claim it.

Somehow that luggage managed to get the correct direct flight to Rome even though we did not.

Alitalia had done it!

The luggage was in Rome; we were in Rome.

OK! Alitalia!

Meantime, 

Keep Praying

 . . . and Stay Safe! 

 

Oy Vey! Alitalia!

 (Just to let you know - you are coming in in the middle of a story and to understand what follows, you really need to first read the previous blog publication.)

Standby!

From tourist class to first class and now to standby!

But that was the option, the only option that Pan Am was giving us. We could sit tight and wait and hope and see if standby seats were available for the next flight to Rome.

However, there was another issue.

We were traveling as a group and so what if some standby seats did become available but not enough for our entire group? What happens to those left behind? Would they get on a different flight? Perhaps two or even three different flights? And should that be the case, how do we connect in the hours and maybe even days ahead some six thousand miles away?

And then someone in that very impressive Pan Am office made another suggestion.

Would it help to speak with someone from Alitalia?

Well, since that is where this whole saga began, it certainly seemed like a rather logical move. And so the call was placed to Alitalia and the conversation began.

First a significant door was slammed shut.

The Alitalia representative verified that no authorization could possibly have been given to exchange our tourist tickets for first class. Did anyone recall the name of the agent who gave us that information? Of course, no-one did. The culprit would go scott free!

But yes, Alitalia would cover any standby arrangements. No problem there.

And then came the clincher.

But why were we even dealing with Pan Am?

Alitalia was flying!

In fact the evening flights to Italy were getting set to go right now. How many seats did we need? Yes, there were enough (possibly even our up to then abandoned seats?) on the flight that had just boarded. That flight was scheduled to depart in fifteen minutes.

Get back to the Alitalia terminal ASAP and we would be on our way to Italy almost as scheduled.

Now the Alitalia terminal was right next to the Pan Am terminal. However, unless we walked (and have you ever tried to get a travel group walking briskly? Almost running?) we would need to take the airport shuttle and because the airport road is one way, we would have to patiently sit tight on the vehicle as it made its way all around the airport terminals.

But at this point more help came from those agents in those fancy offices.

Alitalia would hold the flight until we got there.

And so off we went, onto the shuttle and around the airport.

We finally arrived at the Alitalia terminal and agents were standing ready, waiting our arrival.

They whisked us off the shuttle and through the airport, skipping any formalities like passport checks and such. Right through the terminal and onto the plane where, sure enough, seats were waiting for us, just the right number.

And once we were safely on our way, up there five miles above the good earth, there would be beverages (and did we want something like that!) and there would be dinner finally.

And so off we went.

And up we went.

And at last we were on our way. Roma, here we come!

And then the pilot spoke his words of welcome, the usual stuff about how glad they were that we were flying with Alitalia and how, when we had reached that certain altitude, drinks would be served, the seat belt sign would be turned off and we would enjoy dinner.

And then "it" came.

Welcome to Alitalia Flight number --, direct from New York to Milan!

Only we were supposed to be headed to Rome!

But Milan!

Well, when you are 30,000 feet in the air, you do not just get out and board a different vehicle.

We were on our way but . . .

And, of course, there is more to this saga so check back soon!

Meantime, 

Keep Praying

 . . . and Stay Safe! 

Aye! Alitalia!

 Time for another travel adventure!

And, Oh Yes, I do have more travel stories to share. Just in case you have not surmised this for yourself as of yet, if you have been following this Blog on a regular basis, I have had my share of travel adventures and anyone who has dared to travel with me could plan on an adventure or two in the process. I guess you cn just be grateful that I have now reached the age where travel is rather limited and restricted. The "risk" is likely gone now but once it was a reality and here comes still another example.

This one was a group tour beginning in Rome and venturing off into Austria, Germany, Switzerland and France. I believe this also included a full hour's tour of Luxembourg, just about long enough a stay to enjoy the whole country.

Our trip began with a late morning flight from Detroit to New York. In New York we would catch our Alitalia flight direct to Rome, leaving early evening and arriving very early (Rome time) the next morning.

The timing between our Detroit/New York and the New York/Rome flights was fantastic. We would have time in the airport to relax, catch a decent lunch and be off across the Pond.

And so it began!

Flight to New York - on time; smooth and easy. Next step was to check in with Alitalia and then relax, enjoy, catch a decent late lunch and get ready to board that flight to Rome. There would be dinner onboard but that might not be until around 9:00 PM and so that late but substantial lunch was rather important.

We were off to a great start that is until we got into the Alitalia terminal.

Then it surrounded us.

Pure pandimonium!

People everywhere! Voices raised! Arms and tickets waving in the air! And it seemed like no-one tending the service counters, no-one in an airline uniform, no-one looking like they were in charge or even available to answer questions or provide any assistance.

And clearly from the scene all around some sort of assistance was needed.

Especially when we noticed the Arrival and Departure boards.

All flights cancelled!

Of course, since our trip was arranged by a group travel agency, there would certainly be someone available to assist us in this situation - of course - NOT!

An agent was at the airport in Detroit to assist us, making certain that we had proper tickets, identification, documentation and such. All of our luggage was properly checked through directly to Rome. We would not have to deal with anything while awaiting our Alitalia flight in New York. Smooth sailing and so there was no foreseen need for an agent to meet us in the Big Apple.

We were totally on our own.

And the flights were cancelled as the Big Board informed us.

And finally, finally some agents arrived to staff the service desks in the terminal and as one might imagine, they were immediately swamped by dozens of concerned and even irrate would-be travelers. We were finally able to get to one and to get some actual attention.

Our plight was explained and the agent seemed truly concerned. Could he help our group? He would try? Would we ming being booked on a different airline? Of course not! Not as long as we could get to Rome.

Phone calling began. (This was a while back, remember, and computer usage was still in its infancy. 

Then! Bingo!

The agent was able to find sufficient seats on another airline headed that very evening for Rome. The flight was with PanAm. (Told you that this was a while ago.) However, sad to say, the only seats they could get us were all in first class. Would we mind? Seriously? Would we mind?

First class across the ocean to Rome - such a sacrifice!

By now half of that once free afternoon had been taken from us and we still had to get to the PanAm terminal and get properly checked in but there was still time for that late (very late) lunch before boarding. The PanAm terminal was in a different building and so we had to get transportation and get ourselves into the proper building.

And off we went to PanAm where, upon arrival at that terminal we discovered lines, long lines waiting for ticketing. I think it was also at this time that someone asked about our luggage - like where will that being headed since it was checked through from Detroit. Least of our concerns at this time was the reply. We just needed to get those new tickets into our hands.

The line, long as it was, ate up nearly another hour of our once free afternoon but we finally arrived at the ticket counter. Our situation was explained and we were politely informed that we really did not even have to be in that line. All we needed to do was go directly to the boarding gate. We would be ticketed there.

And so we headed to the boarding gate where (of course) there was no one at the counter since it was still very early and departure was still a couple of hours away. Dare we leave to get some eats? Or should we stay put and secure those tickets?

Stay put - the decision was rendered. And gradually those minutes of planned free time disappeared.

And good things we all stayed put because after another hour had gone away, the announcement came over the PA system that the departure gate for the Rome flight had been changed.

And when I say "Changed," I truly mean changed. The PanAm terminal was Y shaped. We were at a gate at one extreme of that Y and the newly announced gate was at the totally other extreme end of the Y.

We had some fast foot traveling to do. Good thing we were not hauling luggage! Winded we arrived at the new departure gate and, behold, there were actually agents already at the counter. Of course, by this time, it was becoming increasingly evident that were would be boarding rather hungry. That once ample time for lunch had almost totally disappeared by now. Just get those tickets or boarding passes or whatever and get onto that plane.

Only when we got to the service desk and explained the situation, the agent informed us that there was no record of any such arrangements!

Would I like to speak with someone higher up?

You bet!

And so I was escorted into this rather impressive office of someone who was clearly "higher up."

Who very politely listened to the entire saga and then equally politely informed me that such an arrangement was clearly impossible since our type economy (tourist) tickets are never exchanged for first class seating. Best he could offer was to place us on standby!

Aye! Alitalia!

And, of course, there is more to this saga so check back soon!

Meantime, 

Keep Praying

 . . . and Stay Safe!