Once a year my ordination classmates gather for dinner together - as we did the night before last. On May 19, 1973 I was ordained with 20 others and of that number, 8 of us were together on Tuesday evening; having known each other since we entered Cardinal O'Connell Seminary in Jamaica Plain in September 1965: 61 years ago! (A ninth man at the table, a Columban priest, had joined us for theology studies in 1969.)
It was so good to be with men whose brotherhood I've shared for over 6 decades! And what years those have been in the world and in the Church we serve! So much change - more than any of us might have possibly dreamed or imagined... And yet so much is the same: the gospel, the sacraments and the gift of God's merciful grace to sustain us along the way.
Driving home that night I found myself prayerfully grateful for people who have been part of my life for so long...
I'm grateful, Lord - to be alive - and grateful for all who've been part of my life for these now nearly 80 years...
I'm especially thankful for my brother priests who've lived and known the life that's mine in ways not many may understand... They've known, as have I, the peace that comes from serving you in your people: in good times and bad, in sorrow and joy, in sickness and healthy, in laughter and tears, in hope and disappointment, from birth to death...
And they've known, as have I, the worries and fears, the distractions and doubts, the cares and concerns, the work and burdens that fall on the shoulders and weigh on the hearts of those who pastor a parish of souls - a flock we belong to as one of your sheep, though we carry your shepherd's crook...
And I remember, Lord, those brothers of mine who've passed from this life to life with you... I pray that one day, we'll all meet again - the class of 1973 - and rejoice and be glad when we gather again at the table and feast of the Lamb of God, whose merciful love we have preached...
Protect us, Lord while we're awake
and watch over us while we sleep
that awake, we might keep watch with you
and asleep, rest in your peace...
Amen.
I can't think of a better song for this evening for me and my classmates - indeed, for all of us...
The Servant Song by Richard Gillard
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Will you let me be your servant,
let me be as Christ to you;
pray that I may have the grace
to
let you be my servant, too.
We are pilgrims on a journey,
we are trav'lers on the road;
we are here to help each other
walk the mile and bear the load.
I will hold the Christ-light for you
in the night-time of your fear;
I will hold my hand out to you,
speak the peace you long to hear.
I will weep when you are weeping;
when you laugh I'll laugh with you.
I will share your joy and sorrow
'
til we've seen this journey through.
When we sing to God in heaven
we shall find such harmony,
born of all we've known together
of Christ's love and agony.
