Again, in the readings, we share thoughts from Jesus and St. Paul about the obvious impending deaths. They are praying for those near them as well as all who have followed. What does it mean for us?A parent whose nine children are now in their 50s and 60s used to gather them together at different times to teach them some of his values. This father was a man of genuine faith and trust in God. He made his prayers for his children very real in his "teaching moments" with them.
Mr. Alan Dorhmann, a man, even though, dead "spoke" much to me in the stories he told his children. He told them that God has reserved burdens for the HERO, not the usual hero. God, he taught them, had reserved burdens for the HERO inside each of us, especially the HERO who CHOOSES.
The HERO is the person who has made sacrifice a part of his/her life, giving up the need to be RIGHT. A hero will stand up for those who stand beside them especially when it is inconvenient and costly, especially to friendship. The HERO lets nothing stop doing the RIGHT thing. The HERO will never sacrifice the TRUTH. "A hero will carry the full weight of God's true power in the choice they make to lay down the things of this life, so that another may keep those very same things.... The truth of the HERO is made in the image and likeness of God.
While this is a story for a father's children some fifty years ago, perhaps more today than then, these insights are what I heard Jesus saying as he prayed: "Holy Father, keep them in your name so that they may be one just as we are one.... Consecrate them in the truth. Your word is truth... so I sent them into the world." (today's readings)
The reflection today comes from a book that I am currently enjoying. Written by Mr. Dohrmann's oldest son, a special friend of mine, Bernard Dohrmann, the book is entitled Perfection Can Be Had! If you have teen-aged children, it might be a very practical summer read for them ... it speaks of passion, mission, dedication, greatness, community. It is how one man's life has changed the lives of many people.
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The reflection today comes from a book that I am currently enjoying. Written by Mr. Dohrmann's oldest son, a special friend of mine, Bernard Dohrmann, the book is entitled Perfection Can Be Had! If you have teen-aged children, it might be a very practical summer read for them ... it speaks of passion, mission, dedication, greatness, community. It is how one man's life has changed the lives of many people.
