In Andrew Greeley’s Bishop Blackie Ryan mystery “The Archbishop in Andalusia” the character Bishop Blackie makes a comment after celebrating Mass in the cathedral at Seville. He said “Every sacramental encounter is an evangelical occasion. A smile warm and happy is sufficient. If people return to the pews with a smile, its been a good day for them. If the priest smiles after the exchanges of grace, it may be the only good experience of the week.” (The Archbishop in Andalusia p.77)
Today I had the wonderful privilege of sharing the Eucharistic celebration with the small congregation here at Portsmouth Naval Medical Center. It was a joy, even for a Lenten Mass. In fact, though I had already been at the hospital close to 29 hours I was highly energized. I preached about making sure that what we give up for Lent or what we add to our discipline is something that we do which will cause us to love God and serve our neighbor better. Likewise doing those things that help us to live joyful lives. It was really cool. Then as we celebrated the joy of the Eucharist and I distributed the blessed Sacrament I was, as I most always do now, share that smile as I looked at each person who came to me. We even had a number of patients, one even in a wheelchair, brought down by her nursing staff. There were a lot of smiles today, so I suppose by Blackie Ryan standards it was very successful. The rest of the day has been filled with cool encounters, sharing smiles and sharing tears with patients, families and staff.
As I noted in a previous post, my goal this Lent is to be joyful to as much of an extent as my often cynical and jaded personality will allow. This was a good start for me too. Pray for me a sinner!
The Inglorius Padre Steve's World 