These reflections are a result of more than 40 years of ministry as a Roman Catholic priest. Most of these years I spent in the Diocese of Charlotte which covers Western North Carolina. Now I am retired, and live in Medellín, Colombia where I continue to serve as a priest in the Archdiocese of Medellín.
Let no one have contempt for your youth. Do not neglect the gift you have, which was conferred on you through the prophetic word with the imposition of hands by the presbyterate. (1 Tim 4:12-16)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/0091825.cfm
Even the youngest can teach the oldest. The essential is to recognize the gift we have received and in humility to share it freely. My friend, Father Wilbur Thomas (1947-2022), was there the day of my ordination in 1978 and participated in the laying on of hands. It was the joy of my life to finally be able to work with him at the Basilica of Saint Lawrence from 2004-2018. https://youtu.be/2hlXlnTfGGc?si=RKVn_KLP-6npgW3t
For John the Baptist came neither eating food nor drinking wine, and you said, 'He is possessed by a demon.' The Son of Man came eating and drinking and you said, 'Look, he is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.' But wisdom is vindicated by all her children." (Lk 7:31-35)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/091725.cfm
Saint Hildegard (1098-1179) showed her wisdom in being one of the most brilliant women of her age: theologian, mystic, composer, botanist, pharmacist, author, illustrator, poet, dramatist, and linguist. She taught that God comes to us through all our senses. Her music is still performed. https://youtu.be/HYzPR0nwcmY?si=8oEkigecc6aI_Shz
Similarly, deacons must be dignified, not deceitful, not addicted to drink, not greedy for sordid gain, holding fast to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. Women, similarly, should be dignified, not slanderers, but temperate and faithful in everything. (1 Tim 3:1-13)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/091625.cfm
The requirements for bishops and deacons are fascinating, especially since women are included in the ministry of deacon. Obviously, the church changed the requirements at a later time and perhaps one day will change them again. Saint Cornelius (d. 253) and Saint Cyprian (210-258) were good friends and though they died on different dates and locations are considered companion martyrs. Today's photo is of my friend Father Cyprian Davis, OSB (1930-2015).
Standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple there whom he loved he said to his mother, "Woman, behold, your son." Then he said to the disciple, "Behold, your mother." And from that hour the disciple took her into his home. (Jn 19:25-27)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/091525.cfm
In the USA this feast naturally follows the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. Today’s remarkable scene beneath the Cross captures every heart with its tenderness. O sweet Mother! font of love, Touch my spirit from above, Make my heart with yours accord. https://youtu.be/ZprSwDeckKo?si=WSdVHdvif3P0g4xl
For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life. (Jn 3:13-17)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/091425.cfm
God’s wondrous love for us is revealed in the Cross of the Lord. There used to be two feasts of the Holy Cross in the liturgical calendar. With the reform of the liturgy, conferences of bishop were allowed to choose which one to keep. The USA chose September 14 while Latin America chose May 3. https://youtu.be/HFIVw0-Kcuk?si=uWF7hrZ0f-nkKw4Y
