A story was told some years ago that after a forest fire at a
National Park, some park rangers made their trek up a mountain to assess the
inferno’s damage. As they walked, a ranger came upon what initially was a
sickening sight – a bird that was literally petrified in ashes, perched on the
ground at the base of a tree.
Kind of put off by the sight, he knocked over the bird with a
stick. As he struck it, three tiny chicks scurried from under their dead
mother’s wings. The loving mother bird, keenly aware of impending disaster had
carried her offspring to the base of the tree and had gathered them under her
wings, instinctively knowing that the toxic smoke would rise. She could have
flown to safety, but had refused to abandon her babies. When the blaze had arrived
and the heat had scorched her small body, the mother had remained steadfast.
Because she had been willing to die, those under the cover of her wings would
live.
Being loved this much should make a difference in our lives. Hearing the Passion of
Jesus Christ proclaimed on Good Friday by Maddie in a quiet church isn’t about
hearing a story that’s long and familiar. The station that really made a
difference was when His Blessed Mother held him when He was taken down from the
cross. At that moment I remembered what’s really important – remembering what perfect Love is; remembering that Love is more than
just saying I love you but the actions behind those words. It’s about remembering how Jesus loves each and
every one of us, and being different, being changed because of it. Know that
this shepherd loves all of his children, their parents, grandparents, your
neighbors and friends.
I know that this love takes place in our community when you have
gone shopping for groceries for a neighbor, or when you called a long-distance
family member to make sure they are safe, or when you skyped your grandchildren
and wished them a Happy Easter, or when you felt sick and are self-isolating to
make sure you won’t contaminate anyone in the community, or when you pray for
the sick and dying in New York City.
In the past 72 hours, I have had the privilege of serving as a
first responder to people in New York City listening to their courageous
stories of compassion for one another. May we all continue to be resilient, may
our faith give us strength to persevere through this storm. As you drive by
your church on Easter Sunday know that my Mass and prayers will be offered for
your continured safety and good health.
Jesus is Risen. Indeed, He is Risen!
