Walking Together
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Walking Together
St. Francis de Sales would resort to writing notes teaching and explicating the Catholic faith on sheets of paper, slipping them under doors. That was the only way he might hope to re-evangelize in Geneva. The Catholic Revival didn’t come easy for St. Francis, but he had a resolve and resiliency to forge ahead, to walk together with others, in gentleness and love.
Walking together in the spiritual life is pivotal. We find countless examples from Sacred Scripture: Jesus instructs the apostles to walk together in pairs, as he sends them out as those who share in his mission (cf. Mark 6:7); later, Jesus will call forth the seventy-two who will also participate in the mission, they, too, are to walk together in pairs (cf. Luke 10:1); or think of that monumental and momentous Resurrection day, when Cleopas and the other disciple are walking together with the Risen Lord Jesus on the Road to Emmaus (cf. Luke 24:13-35). If we flip back to the Old Testament, we discover equally compelling examples of walking together: Naomi and Ruth in their pact of true friendship, Enoch and Noah, both depicted in the Book of Genesis as righteous ones who walked with God. Even the psalmist who writes “under his wings you may take refuge” absolutely believed that the Lord – in whom refuge is found – was walking together with him (cf. Ps. 91:4).
This past week, I had the opportunity to visit the University of Notre Dame for some rest and reflection. One of my fondest memories was praying at the Grotto. There, I saw people walking together in faith, young and old, parents with their children hand-in-hand, college students, summer camp kids, visitors and tourists. Above all, in the midst of the sacred silence, I felt the presence of the Holy Spirit, allowing this concept of walking together to become tangible in the unity of the human family – because we are all looking for something, we are all yearning for something; we are all desiring something to settle and satisfy our restless hearts. Indeed, how wonderful that people walk together toward Christ, seeking the aid and intercession of Our Lady who leads us to ever deeper friendship with her Son.
As the new Pastor of St. Francis de Sales, I am deeply honored to have the privilege of walking together with you in your unique human experiences: the worries, challenges and concerns, goals and aspirations, hopes and dreams. That’s all okay! I pledge to walk with you and to point us to Christ so that we may find hope in Him and in each other. At the Corby Hall residence for Holy Cross priests and brothers, right before entering the Holy Spirit Chapel, the seal of the order is stamped on the floor; it reads “Spes Unica”. That means: our only Hope. Indeed, the direction in which we will walk together is Christ – Christ through his saving work of Passion, Death, Resurrection and Ascension is the only source of our Hope! And it is having hope that enables us to move forward, to take that next step, even when we are uncertain, because we trust that God is with us and God loves us. If we ever need reminding of the love of God, let us gaze upon the Cross: there we see love outstretched and open to all, a new and eternal covenant that our parish continues to share with others through mission and evangelization.
St. Francis de Sales wrote notes and letters; I will, too, in the medium of a new pastor’s column entitled “Eagle’s Landing” that will appear each week in the bulletin. In the days, months, and years to come, I look forward to using this platform as a way to communicate and share faith, news, and ideas. I am also eager to engage in avenues and events that will afford us the opportunity to meet, for you to share your faith, news, and ideas with me, and for me to listen.
As we walk together with Our Lady’s guidance, be assured of my prayers as I remain –
Sincerely yours in Christ,
Fr. Christian Shiu
Administrator