A Funeral Mass

Today I went to a funeral for a Christian Brother named Brother Columban. I learned a lot today about this man whom I had admired for a number of years. He had been principal and teacher in a number of schools to thousands of people in his 75 years as a Brother. Note, that's 75 years as a Brother. Born in 1914, he was in his 90s when he died, but joined the Christian Brothers in 1932.

While I was at the funeral today, I was reminded of how much I admire these men and their dedication to the ministry of teaching. Among those gathered today were others who have spent their entire adult lives as Brothers and some who were just beginning their ministries. It's a different life than I'll probably ever know, but one that I respect tremendously.

Their vowed lives (poverty, chastity, obedience, stability in the order, and service to education of the poor) lead them into places in the world where children would go un-educated were it not for the Brothers. Indeed, there was a time in my life when I was discerning between a call to the Lutheran ministry on one hand and to the Christian Brothers on the other hand. While I ended up with Word and Sacrament ministry in the ELCA, the Brothers and their mission will always hold a special place in my heart.

New Year

"You're in your second year here!" That's what a member of the congregation said to me this morning, and he's right! Happy New Year! After Christmas Eve service here at UniChu, and Christmas Day with my family on the Ranch, Gwen and I were in Minnesota for a few days to visit her family. I had the chance to go cross country skiing for the first time and also had my third serving of Lutefisk (that's three in my entire life. And, unless you looked closely, you wouldn't even have seen it on my plate!). It was in the 20s in MN and snowing, which was beautiful. Upon our return to California (where it's in the 60s), I realized how much has changed since this time last year. A new call, a new house, a new community, etc. It's great! I just love it here and love these people. Also, it was fun to note two more signs of time's march forward: A professor of mine from seminary has been called to be the Admissions Director. He will be wonderful! And, another friend has been called to a position that I was asked to consider at the same time that I was asked to consider this call. He will be good in that position (probably better than I would have been) as Special Assistant to the President for University Ministries at a fairly reputable university. So, time rolls on. And here we are approaching Epiphany. Which means I have a homily to think about . . . .