A monthly letter from the Glenmary Vocation Office

May 2008

A Reflection on Pope Benedict’s U.S. Visit

An elderly gentleman dressed in white stepped to the back of a plane and said “I am ashamed,” and the media took notice. That same man stood by the president on the White House lawn and, in a soft voice, said, “God bless America” and Americans smiled. He stepped into a small room with six people who have suffered and healed the wounds of many. He walked and talked with handicapped children giving them blessings and encouragement. And he stepped out of his car and knelt down at Ground Zero in New York City, a moment that I remember most. These steps and words from Pope Benedict XVI were seen and heard across the nation and brought hope, peace and healing.

Yes, Pope Benedict XVI had a very impressive visit to the United States. He spoke to bishops, to the president, to the United Nations and to many other important leaders. Yet, through his listening to abuse victims and to the 9/11 survivors, first responders and families and by taking time to be with the handicapped demonstrate that he sees the hurting and the vulnerable are just as important as bishops and presidents. This was a deep affirmation of what Glenmary tries to communicate as well.

Glenmary Home Missioners try to be present to the hurting, forgotten and vulnerable. We stand for the principle that one is as important as the many. Much like in the Bible, “What man among you having a hundred sheep and losing one of them would not leave the ninety nine in the desert and go after the lost one until he finds it?” (Luke 15:4) “Those who are well do not need a physician, but the sick do. Go and learn the meaning of the words, I desire mercy not sacrifice.” (Mt. 9:12-13)

Many times people will ask, “Why start a new church with a handful of people when there are large churches without a priest.” Others might ask our missioners, “What do you do here all day with so few Catholics.” Over and over, joyfully, I tell them we do as Christ did. We go out and visit people. We celebrate with them and cry with them. It might only be a few, and there may not be many, but we are there for them. Our charism is reminding the larger Catholic Church that these small rural places are also important in the eyes of Christ. Just because there are not many and others may struggle to find these spots on the map, the people living there are still important. God’s sacraments, God’s love and healing are for them, too.

It really is not important if anyone notices the work we do as missioners. It is what we do each day in fidelity to answer the call that God has given us that matters. Pleasing God and doing his will is enough. We, Glenmary Home Missioners, do it in small rural places with few Catholics and many who are hungry to know the love of Christ and find some peace and justice in his arms.

Pope Benedict, without even knowing it, affirmed that call by taking time to be with those who have suffered in many different ways. What it must have meant to the person whose trust was violated by a church leader. What joy it must have been for those parents to know that their handicapped child was among a few chosen to meet the pope personally and touch him and be touched by him. What a comfort it must have been for those who were at Ground Zero to look in the pope's eyes and touch his hand and be noticed for their personal suffering.

Know that you, too, are important in the eyes of Christ. If you wish to share your faith in a small or large way, know that Glenmary may be the place for you. Whatever you are doing today, may you feel the blessing of Christ upon you!