Three Priests and a Bishop

We had a wonderful message from Fr. Joseph this morning at Mass.  The Gospel message was from John 21:1-19 about the meeting of Jesus with Peter and the other Apostles after fishing.  The Apostles caught 153 fishes after the guidance from Jesus...so many that the nets were close to breaking!  Then the Apostles ate a meal with Jesus.  Jesus asked Peter if he loved Him THREE times!

Father told us that there were several details that had an important message deeper than at the surface level.

The number of fish (153) represents the number of nations known at the time of Jesus.  This was also the third recorded time Jesus appears to the Apostles.  At this meal, Jesus asks Peter three times if He is loved by Peter...this is thought to counter the three times Peter denied Jesus upon His arrest.

Father spoke of an interesting point about this thrice spoken affirmation...the first two times Peter is asked, Jesus uses the word love...agape...which is a higher level of love set aside for adoration.  Peter responses with the word love...philia...which is a term set aside for friendship.  When Jesus asks the third time He uses the term set aside for friendship.  This seems to reflect that Jesus accepts Peter at the level he can give.  The questions also seem to lead to Jesus passing on the role of the Good Shepherd to Peter in the response to this affirmation of faith.

The boys and I were happy to hear this message of faith.  We had gone to Mass as usual because it was their turn to altar serve.  However, today is the day the Bishop was set to baptize and confirm the students at St. Mary's.  So, we went home for a short period of rest and then headed back into town so the boys could serve again.  This time the boys were surrounded by other altar servers as well.

We arrived early to go over the roles each server would have for the Mass (We had done this earlier but just to review.)  The various duties were spread out among them all.  Sean had the job of carrying in the processional cross.  Henry and Edward would carry in the candles.

We recently had a change in priests so Father Roland wanted to be assured that everything was ready.  He was concerned about making everything right for the Bishop and those receiving the sacraments.  Maybe he seemed a little rough but he had in his mind how it should all work.  Things were changed...some parts taken out and others left.  Even furniture was rearranged.  Good thing we arrived early to review the details!

Then the Master of Ceremonies arrived and wanted to know all the details again!  He just wanted to make sure everything was right for the Bishop and those receiving the sacraments!  Sweet Gillian was getting a little stressed by this point...after all, she just wanted to make sure everything was right for the Bishop and those receiving the sacraments.   Watching from a distance...I just said a little prayer that all of those involved would be calm and enjoy the moment.  Everything would be wonderful and those who needed to remember this night would only remember that they were receiving Jesus into their lives!

Mass began and the same readings that we had in the morning were heard again by our family.  I always love to hear what the Bishop will say to tie in the message to the sacraments.  I have never been disappointed and tonight was no different.  He spoke about the renewal and rebirth of those who have faith in Jesus.  Looking back at the Gospel reading...he told us that when he thought about counting those fish...it must have been slimy and messy but it was important...that if they went to so much trouble that day must have counted for something important to remember!  Just as today (and everyday) we must take the time to make it count as we walk in faith.

Just as the Apostles were going about their business (fishing), those of us who have received Jesus in baptism, will go about our business but we will be changed.  We cannot go back to our old lives...we are renewed...given rebirth in Christ...and we will need to live our lives filled with faith.

And it was at this time that the Bishop called the two forward to receive the gift of Baptism.  It was a beautiful moment to see them enter into the Baptismal promises, which revealed glowing smiles on their faces!  Then the group to be confirmed stood and the laying of the hands took place by the Bishop, Father Paul and Father Roland.  I always love that moment as the room seems to be transformed by the Spirit.  The joy of the moment cannot help but take me back to my own confirmation...a very powerful moment.  Later I spoke to several of the confirmands and they all said the same thing...I am so happy!  That is the Spirit!  I am so glad we could be there for that moment.  Just as the Bishop said...this day counted...May they never forget that moment!


Everything was wonderful and there was such a rich feeling of the Spirit that filled the little campus chapel.  We now have two new sisters in Christ through Baptism and many confirmed in the faith.  We then were able to enjoy a wonderful meal...potluck style...with the  Bishop.  Everything was just as it was supposed to be.

Changing priests can be stressful at times.  Transition...change...it is challenging for the best of people. Father Roland and Father Paul have completely different personalities...they grew up in different cultural settings.  I cannot help but compare these two priests to our own priest (Father Joseph), as well as the Bishop.  Three priests and a Bishop...one from Ireland, one from northern United States, one from India and one from East Texas.  They each bring something different to their role of leadership, and yet in the end, they all bring us the same wonderful gift of the sacraments.

What people do not remember is that when Father Paul arrived, there was a transition period also.  We had to learn Father Paul's ways and we learned to love his quirks.  We will feel the same about Father Roland soon, and we will forget about this time of change.  God has given us a special gift to have priests who are dedicated to teaching us the faith.  Praise God for what we learned from Father Paul and what we will learn from Father Roland.  God is good....all the time!  All the time...God is good!

SIDE NOTE:  The Knights of Columbus were at Mass tonight in their full regalia.  Zaira had fallen asleep just before Mass began and woke up just at the time of the Baptism.  One of the Knights was standing right beside us with saber in hand.  I am not sure what she thought about this but she would not let him out of her sight the rest of the evening!