November 26, 2023

Dear People of God,

Jesus walked upon this earth and pointed the way to God. Our Lord Jesus Christ came to form a people — rather than solely to inform His followers and all of us. Are we good listeners to the words and ways of Christ? Do we learn from and listen to our experiences? Are we aware that life is also a great teacher if rooted in the Lord Jesus?

Today, we celebrate the Feast of Christ the King. The Kingship of Jesus is a way of service, love and reaching out to each other. Next week, we begin our new liturgical year with the Season of Advent. It is important to remember that Advent is a time of preparation, waiting and listening.

Advent asks us to listen — to make the time and connect the mystery of God with our lives through the birth of Jesus into our world. What have we learned from life? Advent is a splendid opportunity to listen and give thanks.

I want to share the following “lessons of life”  as reflected upon by Andy Rooney…

I’ve learned…That having a child fall asleep in your arms is one of the most peaceful feelings in the world.

I’ve learned…That being kind is more important than being right.

I’ve learned…That you should never say no to a gift from a child.

I’ve learned…That I can always pray for someone when I don’t have the strength to help him in some other way.

I’ve learned…That no matter how serious your life requires you to be, everyone needs a friend to act goofy with.

I’ve learned…That sometimes, all a person needs is a hand to hold and a heart to understand.

I’ve learned…That simple walks with my father around the block on summer nights when I was a child did wonders for me as an adult.

I’ve learned…That life is like a roll of toilet paper. The closer it gets to the end, the faster it goes.

I’ve learned…That we should be glad God doesn’t give us everything we ask for.

I’ve learned…That money doesn’t buy class.

I’ve learned…That it’s those small daily happenings that make life so spectacular.

I’ve learned…That under everyone’s hard shell is someone who wants to be appreciated and loved.

I’ve learned…That the Lord didn’t do it all in one day. What makes me think I can?

I’ve learned…That when you plan to get even with someone, you are only letting that person continue to hurt you.

I’ve learned…That love, not time, heals all wounds.

I’ve learned…That everyone you meet deserves to be greeted with a smile.

I’ve learned…That there’s nothing sweeter than sleeping with your babies and feeling their breath on your cheeks.

I’ve learned…That no one is perfect until you fall in love with them.

I’ve learned…That when you harbor bitterness, happiness will dock elsewhere.

I’ve learned…That I can’t choose how I feel, but I can choose what I do about it.

I’ve learned…That everyone wants to live on top of the mountain, but all the happiness and growth occur while you’re climbing it.

As your Rector, I have learned that life is a mystery to be lived and not a problem to be solved.

A fellow learner with you,

Fr. Greg