Where would you go??

Wow! Every once in awhile, all the readings line up perfectly...and hit us right between the eyes don't they? I know there's a theme each week, in the Church's infinite wisdom, but some weeks it is so obvious even I can see it!!

So, when Joshua proclaims in the first reading: "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord!"
and Peter cries out in the Gospel: "Lord, to whom would we go?" (Is it just me, or do you hear him in a whiney voice?) I get it! I really do!

I have been fortunate to work in church ministry for my whole life...really, I probably started when I was 12 or 14 in my home parish of  St Frances de Chantal in Wantagh. I loved being a part of the youth group, the folk group, the plays we put on, working as sacristan, serving as lector and Eucharistic minister and catechist...so it was no surprise to anyone when I chose church work for my career. I have worked in a girls Catholic HS, then in 6 parishes, including where I am now. For the most part, I have loved every minute, and so many of the people I have met. I truly am blessed.

Still, every now and again, in a difficult moment...something makes me wonder if it wouldn't be easier to do something else, be something else, believe in a different way...cause we Catholics certainly have a lot of rules and regulations to live by. But my mind and heart really can't even begin to conceive of being anything other than the person I am in the faith I was raised in. Sure I wish things would change more quickly...Lord knows, and my family does too, I was not gifted with the virtue of patience. And so, like St Thomas More, I think, said..."Here I stand, I can do no other."

For better or worse, I am Catholic through and through. Proud of my faith, proud of my church, (especially with the leadership of Pope Francis) and even though sometimes it seems very hard to follow the words and will of Jesus in scripture...I find myself like Peter crying out: "where would I go?" I choose You, Lord. I put my life in your hands.