At What Cost: A Reflection for 10/28/20

Seven months, 33 weeks, 229 days, 5,486 hours, 329,218 minutes, 19,753,096+ seconds…..That’s how long has been since March 13^th, 2020.  Take that into consideration for just a few more additional seconds as the clock continues to tick.  While you are doing that, take into consideration any other year in your life where you can almost number the days spanning over a 7 month period where so much has changed yet nothing really has changed at all.  I am not sure that I can. 

Over the past seven months I have sat in too many meetings to count; I have slept too little hours to care and I have watched many who I care about go through multiple emotional roller coasters to last two lifetimes.  We have watched everything that we accepted as normal and took for granted for so long be pulled from us.  Our schools, our churches, our sports, our jobs, our safety and security, and our peace all removed without any clear end in sight.  We have been told to be brave while still considering our own fear and uncertainty.  Many of us have been asked to plan without direction.  We have done these things, “soldiered on” through the turmoil and uncertainty which is our world at all levels and we have done so because any alternative seems yet even more difficult to comprehend than our current reality does.  I was told merely what seems like eternal three months ago to “just keep showing up”.  It’s not that I disagree, but at what cost.  What is going to be left when it’s all said and done? 

I don’t say these things to add to any negativity.  I don’t bring up these issues to suggest the idea that all is lost no more than I would suggest that the end is in sight.  I say this because it’s true and sometimes the truth sucks.  The statistics I have become more concerned about these days are the ones that aren’t being reported on a seemingly hourly basis.  I’m worried about our children, my children.  I’m worried about our leaders and the decisions, more so the motivation behind, the decisions they are making.  I’m worried about our schools and churches.  I’m worried about our economy.  I’m worried about our mental health.  I, like many of you, worry about the same things but most of all, I worry about what our lives are going to look like when it is all over.  Concern without answer/direction equals fear; and when we have no answers, no explanation what left do we have to do but pray. 

Today’s Gospel follows Jesus, yet again, as He quietly slips off to talk with His Father.  My grandfather once told me that God will never give you more than you can handle however, there will often be times that you wish He didn’t think you can handle so much.  I would suggest that the unprecedented events covering the past 7 months would certainly qualify.  I have always been a man of prayer, but never so much as I have been through all this.  I find myself praying, at times out loud, seemingly throughout the day; in the cafeteria, on a morning run, in the car at the dinner table..  If nothing else, I have found myself living the behavior Jesus modeled for us during His documented alone times with His Father.  Perhaps that is the cost.  The exchange for the past 7 months of uncertainty is the Peace I receive from my alone times with my Heavenly Father.  If in fact this is true, it is a cost I am willing to continue to pay.

“Thank you God for our blessings in the midst of our trials.”

Jason C. Swann – Principal

 

Reflection 10/9/20:

Welcome back from a long weekend.  I hope that everyone enjoyed the extra time (I’m sure our students did) and beauty that was afforded to us over the course of the last few days.  Congratulations to our 3^rd graders, and their families, who received the Sacrament of First Communion last weekend.  Driving home from mass Sunday, I couldn’t help but play the parable of the landowner who planted a vineyard over in my head.  How obvious this mindset is in our society today and more so, how overlooked it is as well.  At some point, we need to ask ourselves what is truly earned, what is leased and what can actually be taken away?

The Gospel reading from Matthew yesterday told the story of the landowner who planted a vineyard, fenced it, dug winepresses and leased the land to tenants before he went abroad.  When it was vintage time, he sent servants to the tenants to collect his produce but the tenants seized and killed them.  The landowner again sent more servants to collect and the tenants did the same to them.  Finally, the land owner sent his son thinking that they will respect him, but the tenants seized and killed him as well.  When Jesus asked what the owner of the vineyard would do to the tenants, the people answered “he will bring those wretches to a wretched end and lease the vineyard to other tenants who will deliver the produce.”  Seems easy enough to understand as I’m sure all of us would have the same response as this is the only logical thing…however, logic is not a large commodity these days now is it?  Jesus answers them saying “I tell you, then, the kingdom of God will be taken from you and given to a people who will produce its fruit.”  Jesus saying a couple things here; first, the parable represents the Son of God following up on the message that many before have attempted to tell the people and yet, still receiving the same end as those who came before Him.  Secondly, He is reminding us (the tenants) that the vineyard is NOT ours to possess, only to dwell in.  This is, I believe, the more relevant lesson today. 

The vineyard is not ours.  God has built this beautiful vineyard and provided it with the best winepresses and leased it to us as tenants.  We know this and I’m sure if you ask anyone, they would agree.  Likewise, we know He is going to return to collect the vintage.  So my question is this, why do we still act like we are the owners in this life and not tenants?  Why did the tenants act like they owned the vineyard when they knew well and good that they didn’t?  Why do we so often ignore authority and consequences?  Well, simply because it’s not what we want.  If we are honest, we can find this mindset throughout our society today in all areas and in all ages.  “I don’t want to listen to that so, I’m not going to.”  “This is what I want so I’m going to take it.”  “This is how I want to do it so I’m just not going to listen to what I’m supposed to do or what may happen if I don’t.”  And I’m sure, one day, there are going to be several tenants standing at the gates of heaven saying “but it was MY vineyard, he let us work it so we should be allowed in.” 

I have been thinking of this all week as I observe the actions of the society around me.  This year has been beyond challenging and unfortunately, those challenges have not translated into empathy, compassion and love.  As a matter of fact, it has brought out the exact opposite in the overwhelming majority of people.  I think it’s time for us to ask ourselves, is what we have - our purpose and reason for receiving the gift of life, really because of us, or, is it because of the Landowner?  Maybe then we can act accordingly.  

Mr. Swann - Principal 

 

Reflection 9/11/20:

Forgiveness.  How amazingly appropriate that today’s Gospel focuses on forgiveness.  Today we are faced with the memory of those tragic events of choice which happened 19 years ago.  As we continue to navigate this pandemic, the multiple movements throughout the United States, the upcoming election, I can’t help but remember that day on September 11, 2001 as I was driving up Interstate 55 on my way to work.  I also can’t help but remember how united we were as a country during that events that followed.  It is because of this I question where we are today. 

Forgiveness.  The Gospel of Luke says “Can a blind person guide a blind person? Will not both fall into the pit?”  I wonder how close to the edge we are as a society.  No one enjoys having our discrepancies brought to light.  However, at the same time, we seem so quick to point out those of others.  The Gospel goes on to say “Why do you see the speck in your neighbor’s eye, but do not notice the log in your own eye?...You hypocrite, first take the log out of your eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck from your neighbor’s eye.”  In order to do this, it will take a lot of courage to be honest with ourselves about who we really are.  How can we truly forgive or accept others if we have not addressed ourselves first?  Perhaps this is a better question; how can we condemn others when we should be condemned? 

Today, we are faced with a decision: To become better than we were as both an individual and a society, or to do nothing and fall into the pit.  As Luke suggests, being better people begins with a long hard look at ourselves and then, addressing our neighbor.  “First, take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck from your neighbor’s eye.”  Real change begins from within.  It is a scary process of visiting those places about ourselves that aren’t always so nice and being completely…authentic. 

W.B. Yeats stated that “It takes more courage to examine the dark corners of your own soul than it does for a soldier to fight on a battlefield.”  Maybe it’s about time we begin to venture into those “dark corners” and sweep out what needs to go.  If we begin there, perhaps we can move toward addressing our neighbor. Then, just maybe, we can begin to grow forward together, collectively into a more unified and peaceful society. 

As we remember and grieve the tragedies of September 11^th, 2001, may the Holy Spirit bring us the peace needed to our current world in strife.  By beginning with ourselves, may we show society courage and justice for all guided by the example of Christ the King. 

Mr. Swann - Principal

 

Reflection 9/4/20:

Well, it’s Friday.  Our Lady of Mount Carmel School is getting ready to turn the page on week 4.  As I’ve said before, this may sound insignificant to some however; four weeks ago we started with a plan and several prayers.  Likewise, we were up against significant unknown and surrounded by doubt.  Yet by the Grace of God, a LOT of hard work from teachers, and some diligent actions from many of our families we have been able to reach this small milestone.  As we roll into the Labor Day weekend, we will need some more of all three in order to see another successful four weeks!

In today’s Gospel from Luke, Jesus tells the scribes and Pharisee that “no one tears a piece from a new garment and sews it onto an old one; otherwise it will be torn, and the piece from the new will not match the old.  No one puts new wine into old wine skins; otherwise the new wine will burst the old skins.  And no one after drinking old wine desires new wine but says, ‘The old is good.’”  Just as the “bridegroom” refashions the wine skins, Jesus refashions each of us into a new creation.  Jesus gives us the strength and fortitude to adapt to change; to withstand the uncertainty and fear that surrounds the outside world. 

Adapting to change is difficult.  Adapting to constant change is both difficult and frustrating, and most times can bring out the absolute worst in the best people.  This is the environment that we are in right now!  Not only is much of the divisive rhetoric that echoed throughout the summer beginning to resurface, we are dealing with the issue of new concerns and divisions all around us.  My prayer is that we do not get comfortable with this environment.  I was listening to a person talk earlier this week and was concerned with the statement that came from the conversation “I believe all this is just going to be the new normal.”  I disagree.  “All This” will only be the “new normal” if we accept it as such and grow comfortable with it. 

Our Catholic Schools have succeeded to this point because we have adapted to the rules and regulations; because we have been focused on providing the safest and most appropriate learning environment that we can, and that we continue to strive to do things better during this pandemic without accepting that this is “the new normal”.  I am proud of all of you for the level of patience and perseverance that has been shown over that past month-plus. 

The dictionary defines a Crusader in its second definition as “A person who campaigns vigorously for political, social, or religious change.”  In order to be a Crusader the acceptance of any “New Normal” is not possible.  Let’s continue to be Crusaders as we successfully push forward into our next four weeks! 

May God continue to bless each of you!

Mr. Swann – Principal

Reflection Re-Entry 2020:

In order to truly be a disciple of Christ we need to keep first things first.  All the things we propose don’t seem to make any sense to anyone, all the issues we discuss falls on deaf ears.  The world was a mess 2,000 years ago much like it is a mess now.  God the Father had a one word answer to all of our problems….JESUS.  It is the same answer today as it was then because in all the questions, all the confusion, all the fear, Jesus is still the same now as then.  He is still the answer; He hasn’t changed it is us who have.  He is the only answer at the end of the day.  He is the answer to the question that is human existence.  In a world that is constantly branding us with all the issues, all the anxiety, all the division, all the hate, Jesus is still the answer.  How about we lead with that….we are the church of Gospel of Jesus Christ.  How about it?  We are the church of the best news ever.  Maybe we should stop believing that everyone gets that.  Maybe we should stop believing that all Catholics get that.  Perhaps we need to stop playing defense and become a church that is on the offense.  I don’t have the answers to many questions I know, but I have the answer to the need for good news in a world that is in such turmoil because it is the same answer God gave us 2,000 years ago: Jesus.

How do we heal?  Why do we fear?  Where is our hearts?  What is at the center of our lives?

In the Gospel Peter has great faith for a few minutes.  Like many of us, especially now, who would be so willing to jump from the boat placing our feet on the water and walk towards Jesus, Peter becomes distracted by the storms and waves around him and sinks.  We are surrounded by waves and storms right now in our current life.  Our focus doesn’t seem to be on God very much anymore.  We tend to focus on wealth, possessions, status, technology, trips, work, etc.  Many of us look to God just not necessarily at the center.  And, as we do, we most often row our boat directly into the storms of life.  Our fear and uncertainty and anxiety have overtaken our lives and we are feeling the water that we are standing on moving up our bodies to slowly overtake us just as Peter did.  It’s easy to focus on Peter sinking in the water, taking his eyes off of Christ and falling into the dark water.  However, I want to focus on what happens when Jesus reaches out to Peter and lifts him up from the water to place him back into the boat; As soon as Peter steps back into the boat, the storms stop.  As soon as we put God back into the center of our lives, the storms cease damaging our lives.  Our anxiety subsides, our fear relaxes, our focus shifts and our eyes are opened.  Jesus is still the same now as then.  He is still the answer to the question of human existence.  Jesus is the Way. 

We must begin to ask ourselves what is at the center of our lives.  What is it that we are looking upon during the crashing of the waves, and blowing of the wind, and the darkness of the storms that we are living in now?  There should be but one answer…

Mr. Swann – Principal

Reflection 4/24/20: Five + Two = Provided:

Today’s Gospel reading from John is the story of Jesus feeding the people on the other side of the Sea of Galilee with only five barley loaves and two fish.  Like you, I can picture in my mind the Lord standing in front of the people who are all sitting on the grass on the side of the hill.  I can almost hear him asking the Philip where they were going to buy bread to feed the multitude of people, and likewise, the panic in the voice of Philip and the other disciples, who are already convinced that this is impossible.  I can see Jesus smirk a little bit when he takes the bread and fish from the boy as if to say “now watch this.”

This Gospel has always been one of my very favorites because it shows the ability of Jesus to provide in anyway at any time.  I think what is most telling from today’s Gospel is that the Lord asked Philip about the bread because “for he himself knew what he was going to do.”  Make no mistake, God knows at ALL TIMES what He is going to do but allows us to be part of the process.  Today, we are faced with seemingly an unexplained and uncertain time in our lives with the COVID-19 pandemic.  Many people in today’s world, just as the disciples in today’s Gospel, have forgotten our Lord’s ability to provide in any situation. 

The Gospel highlights Jesus’s intent not only then, but still today.  Jesus intended to feed ALL the people that were there that day just as he intends to take care of us.  We need to have the same intent with our faith that He will do that very thing.  Throughout this pandemic, there has been fear, confusion, and anxiety all swirling around the unknown.  Wouldn’t it make sense to focus our attention on the one truth above all other truths that we do know?  Jesus knows what He is going to do and, although we may not understand it, we need to respond the way the disciples did, and follow Him.

My second favorite part to today’s Gospel is the extent to which God provided: “Gather up the fragments left over so that nothing may be lost. So they gathered them up, and from the fragments of the five loaves left, they filled twelve baskets.”  God isn’t going to provide for us “just enough”.  God will provide so much that we can live off of the left-overs!  Know this; we are the people on the hill who have gathered to see Him.  We are sitting there, unsure, uncertain, and hungry and at this moment, Jesus is asking us the question because “He Himself knows what He is going to do.”

 

He WILL provide.

 

Mr. Swann – Principal

Our Lady of Mount Carmel

Reflection April 14, 2020:

The last several days have been busy with administrative work and, although I am thankful that our job still requires our focus and effort during a time when so many are out of work, I am beginning to see the hours and days blend together.  As many of you did I’m sure, I had to put some things aside in order to allow myself to focus on the great blessing and foundation of our Christianity that is the Resurrection of Jesus Christ at Easter.  Much like you all, I am simply trying to do my very best to keep things moving forward in the face of a most unprecedented and confusing time. 

What I have realized is that there is no slowing down, no rest, and no end to what can be thrown at any person regardless of what may be going on in the world.  Perhaps many of you are feeling this way as well.  To that I would say, it’s okay, it’s acceptable, and it is normal to feel overwhelmed.  At the same time, and if this Lenten journey has shown us anything, it is important to slow down in the face of so much uncertainty and focus on what we know to be certain – Jesus.  Today’s Gospel reminds us that we are not to spend time in fear or pain; to not be self-absorbed in our anxiety and to not waste our gifts by focusing too long on “us”.  It is understandable that each of us must have our “moment” but then we must remember our purpose and, if we are to fall, get back in the race.

In today’s Gospel, the angels said to Mary Magdalene, “Woman, why are you weeping?” to which she answered, “They have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him.”  At that moment Jesus stood behind Mary and asked her Himself why she was weeping and, as He so often did, didn’t share in her despair yet instructed her go to His brothers and say to them, “I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.”  How many times has Jesus walked up behind you in your “moment” and transforms your sorrow, anxiety, confusion into wonder at the power of God?

If this current time has reminded us of anything, it has shown us that we do not need as much, we need to put our lives back in order, we need to focus on our families, we have the ability to adapt even if we don’t want to, we can survive change, we are much stronger than we realized before, we are not the most important thing in the world, we have a much greater purpose than we thought, we must lift each other up, and….Jesus is the answer. 

I pray that we all may recognize and respond to Jesus in all of His surprising moments in our lives.  I pray that we, like Mary in today’s Gospel, will allow the hope and promise of Easter to transform our “moments” into accepted action that reflects our Father’s will.  Amen.

Mr. Swann - Principal