Today’s gospel is the great inspirational story of the Prodigal Son. It’s actually a story about two sons and a father who loves them both, enough to let each of them become their own person learning life lessons about the importance of relationships.
We learn in all kinds of different ways, but it seems to me that one of the most effective ways is through experience. Theories, ideas, proposals, plans, books, the internet can help us gain knowledge, but wisdom is gained through putting it into practice.
Many of you know Ryan Brady who has been here full-time with us since the first of February. Ryan is a second year theologian at Mundelein Seminary and is on “pastoral internship”—a time to put the books aside so that he can gain wisdom through real-life experiences in a real parish setting. Half-way through the program, I asked him to take this opportunity to share some of his insights about his ministry and involvement in parish life. Thank you for your support, encouragement and the many things you are teaching him by your witness of faith.
We are beyond the halfway point of Lent and looming just over the horizon is the sacred time of the Triduum and Easter. Lent has moved along at an unbelievably quick pace! Quicker still has been my pastoral internship with just about six weeks to go!
First, I’m incredibly grateful for the warm reception I have received. I have been welcomed into your lives, your homes, and your hearts. We hear Jesus speak to us – sometimes subtly, sometimes crystal clear – through the lives and words of those around us. This is certainly true of my experience at St. Hubert. I have heard our Lord speak to me through all of you, in your words and in the great love you have expressed in your deeds. I have been affirmed and strengthened in my vocation by our time spent together.
I have been busy since the first days of internship. I have led communion services, visited the sick, preached at Mass. I have mourned with you at funerals. We’ve rejoiced at the Celebration of Marriage and St. Patrick’s Day Party. I have been with the young people at TAG and the seniors at Brookdale. I have had the opportunity to share with you my love for the Eucharist and the Saints.
I have been active with the St. Hubert School and Religious Education. I have had the privilege to teach some Faith courses in the school. I have also taught in a number of Religious Education classes and given some students tours of the Church. I have met with the Parish School Advisory Board and the School staff and leadership.
In the Gospel today, the Father runs to greet his son with love and compassion. I can sympathize with the son. I feel that the people of St. Hubert have run out and embraced me. Your words and deeds have shown a great love for me and the priesthood. Please know that I pray for each of you all day, every day. Please continue to pray for me. Let us look forward to Easter, the Resurrection of our Lord and the great things we will be a part of in the weeks to come. Oremus pro invicem,