Blast from the Past(or)

Sixth Sunday of Easter

I’m as bad as anyone, takin’ these blessings in my life for granted one by one. When I start to thinkin’ it’s all me, well somethin’ comes along and knocks right back to my knees. I’ve got all I need, Jesus and gravity.

It’s a song called ‘Jesus and Gravity,’ written by Dolly Parton, and it’s horrible; simply God-awful. Yet I thought of this obscure composition when took my tumble down the rectory stairs last week. As I lay on the floor being tended to by the Finance Committee, Boonton Fire Department and Ambulance Squad, I wish I could say that I had a prayer on my lips, or that I uttered the Name of Jesus as I completed my face-plant. But in fact, when I finished my best imitation of St. Joseph of Cupertino, I was thinking of this terrible song. I’ve got nothing against Dolly per se, and I think Dollywood could serve as a great destination for a parish pilgrimage, but when you’ve had an accident due to your own failure to pay attention to life, one would think the Savior of the World would rise first to the mind and heart. Instead I thought of Dolly Parton. That’s an indication of a significant spiritual problem. Please pray for me. I want to thank everyone and all for the numberless prayers, texts, cards, emails, phone calls, and meals. I was brought to my knees, chastened by my carelessness. But this was eclipsed by your kindness and I thank you.
This Sixth Sunday of Easter dovetails nicely with our celebration of Mother’s Day. There is a Christian flavor and distinction to Mother’s Day because the entire Christian Project begins with a mother’s love. God’s entire plan of Salvation culminates with a young girl who accepts the expectations of motherhood. She accepts her role as existing-for-another. In fact, she did not choose this, but ‘I have chosen you.’ The mother has given her own life for another simply by virtue of who she is. ‘The future of humanity passes through the threshold of a woman,’ Blessed Pope John Paul II famously wrote. The Gospel today makes us aware of the debt we owe to women in general. In fact, continues Blessed Pope John, ‘the future of the world depends much on the awareness women have of themselves.’ Happy Mother’s Day!

God Bless You!
Father Thomas Fallone