The people of North Java and surrounding towns
are most resilient. On a freezing two degree Sunday morning, sixty folks showed
up to celebrate their feast day as Holy Family. The gospel was not just the
story of Joseph and Mary and Anna and Simeon. It is the story about our
founding bishop whom I like to dedicate the New Year to Bishop Peplowski.
Last Wednesday, I drove to Orchard Park to
visit our Bishop Peplowski. I met him at the door as his van was returning from
a doctor visit. Bundled up from the cold and worn out from his treatments, he
was surprised as I wheeled him to his room. Helping taking off his coat, he
shared that the doctors told him that his has cancer and started treatment at Roswell
Park. In addition, he has dialysis five days a week but he carries on with
courage and faith because he knows that God is taking care of him at this stage
in his life.
I shared photos of the parish kids bringing
toys to St. Nicholas to donate to the poor children in the county. A week later
these same kids dressed as shepherds and angels put on a Nativity Play that
inspired their moms and dads and grandparents to feel the Spirit of Christmas.
Finally, the kids with wide smiles were blowing out the candles on a Jesus
Birthday “cupcake.” This never would be happening without the inspiration,
support and encouragement of this bishop who brought hope to this farming
community to reborn their closed catholic parish. Now, they are preparing for four
baptisms in 2018
Like Simeon
in the gospel, this bishop has had his struggles, doubts, but searched and
prayed for some sign of God’s presence.
A sign that
God really does care, that behind all this senseless suffering and pain in the
world, there is a larger purpose. He did not want to die any more than we do before
he saw a sign, some hope some glimpse of a divine face. The message of the
gospel is that he finally did receive a sign and he spoke this response:
"Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace, according to your
word, for my eyes have seen your salvation.” Luke writes that all of us Simeons
will someday sing this song.
I love this
gospel because it’s your story and it’s mine and the story of Bishop Peplowski.
It gives hope to all. to all Simeons who wonder where is God in the tragedies
and unfairness of life. To all people comes this word of the Lord. God will
have the last word, not we humans. God will reward faithfulness. Most
important, God will honor his promises, those who stay true will look upon his
face of the Lord one day. We will sing again. Our life will supply the melody
the gospel has already supplied the words: ‘Master, now your dismissing your
servant in peace, for my eyes have seen your salvation, a light for revelation
for the Gentiles and for glory for your people Israel.”
Lord, I pray
for all my Sonshine Friends in this New Year and ask that you bless Bishop
Peplowski who awaits his glory for his lifetime of dedicated service to you and
all your children.
