7 February 2021
Some of you may remember that in 1985 Fr. John Rossiter, Ferdinand Roth, William Hammes
Were killed at St. Patrick’s Church in Onalaska.
For those of us who knew Fr. Rossiter and the men killed with him it was a terrible shock.
Perhaps one of the most poignant moments for me as I watched the television coverage was an interview with Bishop Paul.
In the interview, Bp Paul was asked if this kind of violence,
particularly when done to a close personal friend didn’t shake his faith.
It was a natural question to ask.
We would have all been surprised if he had answered that it did.
Of course he didn’t say that.
Even though his voice was shaking and there was just the hint of tears for a close friend
He said: “I still believe, God is my strength.”
Even though we expected that answer, it is remarkable
and that remarkability shouldn’t be lost on us.
How hard it must have been for him to face his own personal grief so publicly,
to be asked the ultimate question of faith
with camera and lights searching for the waiver of unbelief.
As I watched Bp Paul I could not help but think of the apostle Paul’s personal commentary in today’s second reading: Preaching the Gospel is not the subject of a boast.
I am under compulsion and have no choice. I am ruined if I do not preach it.
So this is what it means, this is the cost.
No matter how personal grief or loss, No matter the hazards or pains
once you have experienced the Lord
there is no turning back unless you turn your back on him completely.
Bp Paul was for me a live rendering of what Paul was talking about.
I have to say that I wondered if I could be that way.
Maybe you are wondering too?
When you are really up against it–just how strongly would you answer:
“I believe, God is my strength.”
I do believe that when we encounter the senseless, the tragic, the unspeakable
our faith is called into question.
We are left feeling angry, drained, empty and looking for answers.
I hope that I, and you can come through it saying:
“I believe, God is my strength.”