Father's Notebook - July 23, 2019

Greetings brothers and sisters in Christ,

I have to say that it's been quite a whirlwind since I've arrived at Most Holy Trinity. I've learned thousands of names... for about 30 seconds, and which I find myself having to relearn them again soon after. I've unpacked all of my stuff at the rectory and in my office. But still not quite completely settled in yet. I've met with many people so far, one on one, and been able to share a meal with a few. At the end of the day, being a priest is an adventure filled with excitement and joy.

But with all changes, there is always a time of change and adjustments.

For the most part, I have tried my best to change as little as possible. In the Cardinal's letter of my appointment, he stressed that I should make no major changes immediately, and the last time I saw him, he said to me directly, "Just keep doing what Fr. Victor was doing." That has been my goal.

The only change that I had to make was to close the vesting sacristy door and lock it. I noticed that often it had been left open and many people were moving in and out of that room. The problem with that, is that the safe for the weekly collection was also in the same open room, in the open, as people were coming and going all weekend. My first two concerns as a new pastor is first and foremost, safe environment for children & youth and secondly to have good security and stewardship of the finances of our parish.

I've heard it said that being moved as a priest is like going through a divorce, entering into a second marriage, having a new job change, moving to a new home, all at the same time! In some sense, we have to let go of close relationships that we've had for many years, we have to build new ones right away, we have to adjust to new living situations, new area/cities, and get a sense of the new culture of the parish we are coming in to.

Of course, there is always the change for the parishioners and the people of God. If I feel like I'm leaving behind spiritual children and adjusting to a new family and a new way of life, I believe often the parishioners often feel like they are in some sense "losing" a spiritual father and having to adjust to the reality of a new father. For anyone who has had to go through that with blended families, they know that those relationships require much trust and time to build.

So why does the Church put us through this? Why does God put us through this?

A wise spiritual director of mine said that it is a good thing some times for priests to get moved. Because it can be a good time of purification. It is a time to purify our desires for Christ.

Sometimes, in our spiritual life we can become content with accolades and affirmation of the people around us. Priests can be very loved and cared for which is good. But the very real danger of making it all about "father" is that it can start to become less about Christ.

At times we need to reflect on the words of St. John the Baptist:

‘I am not the Messiah, but I have been sent ahead of him.’ He who has the bride is the bridegroom. The friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly at the bridegroom’s voice. For this reason my joy has been fulfilled. He must increase, but I must decrease.” (John 3:28-30)

We need to be Christ in the world, but this is not so that others see us as Christ, but that Christ shines through in us. It is a subtle distinction but a necessary one. Is it us that they see or is it Christ in us? 

I pray that I can be Christ to you but also that I will be able to point you always to the Messiah, to the One who offers us real life, real love, real freedom & salvation. It is Him that we must try to image in our daily life.

Please know that I am praying for all who read this, and I will celebrate a Mass for you and your intentions this week. Please keep me and all priests in your prayers.

Pax Christi,

Fr. Khoi