One Of The Most Beautiful Privileges Of My Life

One Of The Most Beautiful Privileges Of My Life I woke up today, Sunday morning, feeling easy and cheerful. I enjoyed a quiet morning before attending church wondering how my day would play out. I really didn’t have any high expectations of anything extra ordinary because I had not planned anything outside of catch up, errand running, reading and the like. Lesson #1 - Count only on God for extraordinary! I was now spiritually awake. Sunday Mass was concluding and Monsignor addressed the congregation one last time before the final blessing. However, his news was not about supporting a pancake breakfast or attending a retreat, it was about the grave illness of one of the church’s most senior members. It was then, at that moment, I knew what activities I would be foregoing today and what extraordinary event would take place. Just hours later, at 3pm, I found myself with a rosary in hand sitting at the bedside of a gravely ill priest waiting for his final moment of mercy, the hour at which he would meet his creator. Fr. Donald Ponthoff has lived 90 years on earth and has given 63 years of them to the Catholic Church as a priest. My history with Rev. Donald Potthoff, Pastor Emeritus (retired priest), has simply been a hand shake at the end of mass as I passed him sitting in a wheel chair in the back row of the pews. There was another occasion just this past year in the church rectory, where I sang to him the “happy birthday song.” Age and illness has slowed him down, however just days ago, he had trouble breathing and he was rushed to the emergency room and was diagnosed with cancer and placed in hospice. Ironically, just before walking into the St. Jude’s Hospital I read a letter addressed to Monsignor that he shared with the congregation today. The Most Reverend Jose H Gomez wrote in part, “As priests, we are called to walk with our people – from the time they are born until the time of their death. From their Baptism until their Annointing and final preparation for the journey to everlasting life. This is one of the beautiful privileges that we have as priests of Jesus Christ. Through our pastoral ministry we provide comfort to the dying and consolation to the loved ones they leave behind.” He closed his letter, “Please know that you and your ministry are in my prayers every day, and I would be grateful for your prayers for my ministry. I entrust you to the Blessed Virgin Mary. May she help us in all our pastoral efforts to prepare people for the hour of their death and their passing over to their heavenly homeland.” I walked into Fr. Potthoff’s hospice room and I saw a man who’s body was now tired, listless, ridden with cancer, and he struggled for his next breath. I was moved to tears as I thanked him for his ministry on behalf of all people whose lives he touched. For those who found comfort through his intercession as they sought forgiveness and reconciliation with the Lord. For those who celebrated baptism, confirmation, and marriage. And finally for those he consoled through prayer in times of illness, despair and death. As I prayed the Divine Mercy Prayer with him and for him, I saw a hint of extra ordinary life. His lower lip worked fervently to recite the familiar holy rosary and his hand gently clentched mine. I believed and felt that the Holy Spirit was there with us and I immediately felt comforted at that intense solemn and sacred moment. Lesson #2 - Holy and sacred moments show themselves in quiet prayer-filled times. Before I left I asked him if I could take a picture of our hands so that it could be another reminder that we are all brothers and sisters in Christ, called to imitate Jesus with acts of love. As I prepared to leave, just like a veneration, there was another parishioner walking in and another in the parking lot who would follow. Also present was a caretaker who was stationed at his side so that he would not be alone. I realized that there are many who give of themselves in many ways, in many circumstances, whether it be in person, in thought and in prayer. Lesson #3 - people are actively caring and doing even when we don't see it. We all possess a holy spirit inside of us. Follow it when it touches your heart. Choose to be a doer with the gift of your time, a giver with money, a surrenderer in forgiveness, a donor in compassion, a provider of hope, and a bestower of love. Together, let us be inspired every day to do selfless things (our ministry), in Jesus’ name. (Lessons never cease) Today has been one of the most beautiful privileges of my life. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now at the hour of our death. Amen. My prayer and blessing today – Rev. Donald Potthoff, Pastor Emeritus – May God grant you great mercy now and at the hour of your death. Amen.