Summary of a Fr. Gerry Creedon homily from February 11, 2007
"Woe to you rich." Luke 6:24
Are we not fortunate that the Bishop's Lenten Appeal comes to us today asking us to shed some of our extra baggage and cash? With lighter purses we can hear the other words from today's gospel, "Blessed are you poor..." Lk 6:20a
Last week I summarized some of the needs met by the diocese, such as the resettling of refugees and the assistance to the poor and the stranger.
Today I only wish to recall an experience.
Last Wednesday I was busy in my office digging into emails and correspondence and all of the details of administration that sometimes pose as the real work of a pastor, when I got a call from Hospice. Usually that means the Sacrament of the Sick, perhaps more aptly named in older days as Extreme Unction, for someone on the brink of death.
I found myself in an assisted living facility with a couple in their 90's. The husband had not seen a priest from the parish in years because of the diminishments of age. He was, however, full of enthusiasm for all of the activities of St. Charles. He was very proud of the new Parish Center. He obviously read the bulletin backwards before he sent it to his friends in Brooklyn,underlining the collection results each week. I quickly became aware that he was not to be the subject of my ministrations. Beside him lay his wife Alice, motionless and wordless on the bed.
I interrupted the praises of St. Charles Borromeo, to offer a general absolution to both. When I shared the Eucharist. Alice moved to receive the host with devotion. For the anointing, she reached out her hands for the balm of the Spirit. I blessed both of them and was ready to leave, when she raised her head toward me. Barely audible, I heard two words, "God Bless."
Those two words stayed with me all day. To my mind she was returning what she could for the blessings received, all that seemed to be left to her, two words of benediction.
When we approach God's table today with the gifts of bread, pledges, offerings and wine, let there be a blessing in our hearts.
"...for yours is the kingdom of heaven." Lk 6:20b