Everyone loves to celebrate! We, as Franciscan Brothers of the Holy Cross, are no exception.
This year, we have three reasons to celebrate. We celebrate 40 years of living religious life, 80 years of our community's presence in Springfield, and 95 years of life as a child of God. These each were years of the Lord's guidance and protection. Who could have pre-knowledge of the experiences, pitfalls, successes and triumphs that would pack these years?
It is not uncommon when we look back for us to see that the years have been even more grace-filled than we could anticipate. Achievements were grander, goals were broadened, and God's leadership was in control, even at times when we felt its presence was not operative. With all humility, we must feel we have had free will tempered with the strong lead which Jesus freely gives. We only had to respond to that leadership wisely.
I am sure that Brother Michael Groesch, who is celebrating his 95th birthday, can say that through many years of life, Jesus' hand was very present.
As community archivist I look back 80 years ago when our brothers first came to Springfield and I often read about historical realities that had become more than had been planned or even imagined.
And as I celebrate my 40 years of living religious life, I see many twists and turns that did not come from any well-conceived, well-executed plans of mine. What I can see is that our challenge is to be of service in such a way that we increase in holiness. This holiness, which we call newness of grace, will enhance and complement our work. For, as our beloved St. Paul told the Colossians, "Whatever your work is, put your heart into it as if it were for the Lord and not for men." (Col. 3:23)
Having faith in God, I began my entry into the religious life with lots of desire but little knowledge or insight. I knew only that I wanted to be a Franciscan who did not want to stay in New York. This also meant I had no preconceived expectations.
In his book, My Utmost for His Highest, Oswald Chambers puts it this way: "The greatest hindrance in our spiritual life is that we only look for the big things to do. We all have those times when there are no flashes of light and no apparent thrill to life, where we experience nothing but the daily routine with its common everyday tasks ... but learn to live in those common times of the drudgery of life by the power of God." (6/15 meditation)
Each of us has our own story and staying close to Jesus will help us see how his hand has molded and shaped the experiences, hopes and accomplishments that become part of our story.
As religious, our ministry depends on and is strengthened by the graces we cooperate with and the love that grows from doing for one another in Jesus' name. "People must think of us as Christ's servants, entrusted with the mysteries of God. What is expected of stewards is that each one should be found worthy of his trust." (1Cor. 4:1,2)
As we Franciscan brothers celebrate these wonderful days, we look expectantly to the future which God has in store for us. We ask you to pray for your Franciscan brothers as we witness God's works in our life of religious commitment and faithful love of God here in Springfield.
Peace and all good to all!
Brother Anthony Joseph McCoy is celebrating his 40th anniversary as a Franciscan Brother of the Holy Cross.