They say that friends can sometimes go for great periods of time in one another's absence, and when they do get re-united, they can chat as though they were never apart.
Evidence of this came true once again today. Eighteen years and some months have passed since I had the opportunity to see some of the priests who were at the seminary when I was there. Even though I do travel into areas where others of my classmates and contemporaries are located, we seldom get the opportunity to visit. That makes the happenings of today even more wonderful.
As it turns out, one of my contemporaries is currently assigned to one of the parishes located not far from my parents donicile. Today, I had an opportunity to visit with him, and to renew acquaintances. Despite the fact that so much time has passed, we still recognized each other (which is a fortunate thing, particularly given the amount of time and experiences that have marked our respective journeys).
There have been countless writings detailing the encounters between disciples throughout the ages. Some of them were short in duration and others lasted for varying lengths of time. I'm not sure that this one will be logged in that fashion, but I couldn't help thinking that this might have been one of those meetings between Paul and Timothy, or Peter and any one of the other apostles who came to visit while he was in Rome. What of Benedict and Scholastica?
This was a time (brief as it was) to exchange some of the joys and treasures we have both encountered during the years of our service to God's people. Each of us has followed different roads, but both of us have more than enough stories to recount as evidence of God's goodness to us. Both of us also know only too well that it is only through the treasure of prayer that we are able to continue bearing witness to the One whose gospel we preach.
This was a precious opportunity to renew a friendship, and to remember once again the great gift that has been entrusted to us. In the coming year, it is our hope that we will continue to discover the consolation that comes with faithful service as a consolation to those who walk the road of discipleship.
Evidence of this came true once again today. Eighteen years and some months have passed since I had the opportunity to see some of the priests who were at the seminary when I was there. Even though I do travel into areas where others of my classmates and contemporaries are located, we seldom get the opportunity to visit. That makes the happenings of today even more wonderful.
As it turns out, one of my contemporaries is currently assigned to one of the parishes located not far from my parents donicile. Today, I had an opportunity to visit with him, and to renew acquaintances. Despite the fact that so much time has passed, we still recognized each other (which is a fortunate thing, particularly given the amount of time and experiences that have marked our respective journeys).
There have been countless writings detailing the encounters between disciples throughout the ages. Some of them were short in duration and others lasted for varying lengths of time. I'm not sure that this one will be logged in that fashion, but I couldn't help thinking that this might have been one of those meetings between Paul and Timothy, or Peter and any one of the other apostles who came to visit while he was in Rome. What of Benedict and Scholastica?
This was a time (brief as it was) to exchange some of the joys and treasures we have both encountered during the years of our service to God's people. Each of us has followed different roads, but both of us have more than enough stories to recount as evidence of God's goodness to us. Both of us also know only too well that it is only through the treasure of prayer that we are able to continue bearing witness to the One whose gospel we preach.
This was a precious opportunity to renew a friendship, and to remember once again the great gift that has been entrusted to us. In the coming year, it is our hope that we will continue to discover the consolation that comes with faithful service as a consolation to those who walk the road of discipleship.
1 comment:
Isn't it nice when good friends that we haven't encountered for quite awhile get together and are so comfortable that they are able to slip into the old shoes of friendship? Each knows instinctively what to say and do... A beautiful reunion!!! At home with each other. At ease with the time, place and event... I'm happy to hear that you were able to catch up with friends from another time, another place, but still so comfortable...
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