It's a curious experience being a 'lame duck pastor' - with only a month to go here, people already seem to be working out strategies to deal with the new man. It's very good for one's humility. However, I'm also getting vibes from the new place - and yet, I'm not there yet, and I'm definitely not in charge. I'm no longer 'King' of this castle - and I'm not the King of the new castle (or castles)! I've actually decided that I will be known as George Bush for the next four weeks, he knows all about being a lame duck. I got some great spiritual help from reading some of the Holy Father's writings - the more you read him, the more the title of George Weigel's book, 'God's Choice,' seems not just appropriate, but prophetic. He reminds the priest, in 'Called to Communion,' that always, as a priest "one sows and another reaps." Pope Benedict embodies the qualities that I must pray for - humility, selflessness and the ability to let the one we serve be front and centre. "He must increase, I must decrease."
3 comments:
It always will be hard to move from a place where you've made such an impact on people's faith lives. It doesn't sound like it is the same as being moved as a parochial vicar....
Know you are in my prayers and "where's the chips?"
Now you are a real mystery man! But, I had to stop the "anon" thing after one blog!! I think I smell Canon Law in the air......
Yup, the lovely smell of brimstone and chips....
I'll miss you as a neighbor ( I think Cambridge actually borders your territory in the middle of the woods). But, all will be well.
Dan
Post a Comment