See and be the light

Today began like many others. Despite thinking that I should not look at the news so early in the day, I look anyway. It has been years since I have looked to cable news for anything; that is far too upsetting a landscape, one meant to incite and upset more than inform. That leaves me with national newspapers, many of the sort that people refer to as “fake news.”

Today I – wisely or unwisely – read an article about the prime minister of an Eastern European nation. It seems prudent to leave his name out of this post, but you can read it here.  Calling this an article is incorrect, it falls more closely into opinion or, as it is described by the paper, perspective. Yet, certain facts remain, this person is someone steeped in the kind of nationalism that points me over and over again to a certain Anne Lamott quote. (She claims the words were said to her by a Jesuit priest friend Tom Weston, SJ, but it seems that Anne gets the credit.)  So often, those who

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Solemn Vespers infused with joy

Photo courtesy of Linda Berkery ©.

On Wednesday, April 9, 2014, many of us gathered at The Church of St. Pius X in Loudonville, to celebrate Solemn Vespers in anticipation of the Episcopal Ordination of His Excellency the Most Reverend Edward B. Scharfenberger as the 10th bishop of Albany.

The service was beautifully orchestrated, and the music was lovely. In this bittersweet moment, when Bishop Emeritus Howard J. Hubbard steps aside to retirement, something that we have been anticipating for some time. (Not that he will be sitting around thinking about his next golf game!) However, if there was any doubt about the kind of leadership we should be expecting from our new shepherd, it was eradicated last night.

Photo courtesy of Maryann Haskell ©.

If I had to assign one word to describe Bishop-elect Scharfenberger it would be joyful. This joy seems to well up from within him. Yes, of course it is a special time, but I sense that this is his way of being. And the man can sing! Bishop Emeritus Hubbard, who often spoke of his not being much of a singer, made a very funny reference to this, and to many other warm and humorous things, during his homily.

A second word that I would use in reference to our soon to be bishop, would be humble. He seems so down to earth, so gracious, and very kind. I was truly struck by this.

Photo courtesy Mau Piel©.

Third, and perhaps most importantly, I would