Do you remember what you were doing 20 years ago today ? I can picture the day so clearly as I was in an underground bunker with the executives of my company. I spent a lot of time that day reflecting on my life. It was the day I finally decided to retire from my very wonderful aerospace job to be a Deacon full time. I lost two friends that day as each one of them were in an airplane that hit one of the towers in NYC.
That day Jesus taught me that I was not made to bend inward, but rather to bend outward. I had an incredible job and really reached the top of my profession. Yet he showed me that there was more he expected. I was to die to one way of life – turning inward – to rise to a different way of life – turning outward – by focusing on serving others as a Deacon.
In today’s Gospel he says; “Why do you call me Lord, Lord, but do not do what I command ?” 9/11, for all its sorrow, helped me to focus and listen to him. If we can quiet ourselves enough to hear him, he will show you the life he has planned for you. If I live this kind of life, I will inherit more life than ever before !
St. Joseph, pray for us !
DeColores, Deacon Doug
