Transitions in life can be quite challenging. Some of these transitions are eagerly pursued while others are simply thrust upon us. If one pursues a new job with more responsibility and greater compensation, there is excitement and enthusiasm about the possibilities connected with this new venture. There may also be some apprehension and fear of failure.
Other transitions are the result of life circumstances. Being diagnosed with a serious illness can be one such example. The death of a loved one is another. Losing a job, a broken relationship, or a multitude of other examples remind us that life is basically a constant transition in one way or another. Life is not static. It keeps moving.
I am still trying to picture the transitions that the winner of the lottery will experience. Winning a jackpot worth over 700 million dollars will certainly bring transitions (and a lot of new "friends").
Today, I keep in mind all the priests in our diocese who are preparing for transitions. They will be bidding farewell to the parishioners this weekend as they prepare to move to their new parishes for next weekend. This is an emotional time for the priest as well for the people. While there can be a sense of excitement at the new ministerial assignment, there is also a grieving process in saying good-bye. The people who have built relationships with the priests may also experience that sadness of saying farewell.
Since I have the privilege of working with all of the priests across the diocese, I get the opportunity to stay in touch even when our local priests are moved to another area of the state. That is a tremendous blessing for me. It is my prayer that all of us involved in ministry continue to build bridges of trust during these transitions so that the Kingdom of God will flourish in our midst.
Other transitions are the result of life circumstances. Being diagnosed with a serious illness can be one such example. The death of a loved one is another. Losing a job, a broken relationship, or a multitude of other examples remind us that life is basically a constant transition in one way or another. Life is not static. It keeps moving.
I am still trying to picture the transitions that the winner of the lottery will experience. Winning a jackpot worth over 700 million dollars will certainly bring transitions (and a lot of new "friends").
Today, I keep in mind all the priests in our diocese who are preparing for transitions. They will be bidding farewell to the parishioners this weekend as they prepare to move to their new parishes for next weekend. This is an emotional time for the priest as well for the people. While there can be a sense of excitement at the new ministerial assignment, there is also a grieving process in saying good-bye. The people who have built relationships with the priests may also experience that sadness of saying farewell.
Since I have the privilege of working with all of the priests across the diocese, I get the opportunity to stay in touch even when our local priests are moved to another area of the state. That is a tremendous blessing for me. It is my prayer that all of us involved in ministry continue to build bridges of trust during these transitions so that the Kingdom of God will flourish in our midst.
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