August 8, 2022

Greetings from Beautiful Carlingford by the sea where the sun doesn’t set till 10 PM in summer and the temperature is running at a delicious 60° at night and 70° during the day. The rain, with which we are so familiar hasn’t paid us a visit! …And we’re due for this running of weather for another week!!!

Four days after stepping off the plane I began to feel the aches and sniffles of flu and checked positive for Covid 19. ( I had already caught up with all of my family and managed to squeeze in a round of golf on a links course close to my home…. I am now on my third day of quarantine with treats and meals being dropped off at my door. Besides sleeping, hacking cough and the realization that I am only firing on 4 cylinders instead of 6, recovery is well on the way… Not like some of my friends at Saint Francis whom I remember fondly in my prayers. I have joined you for Mass on Live-Feed on most days and it makes me realize how blessed I am to belong to all of you as you faithfully and humbly come to the altar for the Bread of Life. That simple gesture is something I know from being there but to see it from a far, still taking place while not being there, is the Live Stream of Living Water still flowing from the Side of Jesus.

The richness, freshness and style of Fr Bernie’s reflections, borne from life experiences, remind me of why it was important that I leave for a while. In his giftedness, Fr. Bernie weaves the Gospel and life into a seamless garment . It was necessary that you and I hear a different, gifted voice speaking the same message. Without knowing, we were “Waiting for Godot” and while not in San Quinton, the wisdom of waiting with hope is still a lesson for today. ”Do not fear, little flock”. (Those who were privileged to hear his Sunday homily will understand this comment).

So let’s leave the mountain top of Saturday’s Feast of the Transfiguration (and homily) and go down with Jesus, Peter, James, John and Fr. Bernie to transfigure Fairfield Glade…. And Carlingford with the compassion of Jesus.

Much love and prayers, Fr Michael