Dear Parishioners and Friends,
In the Shreenan household, whenever the slip covers were removed from the living room sofa and chairs, it was a sure sign that guests were expected. Of course, the preparations would start weeks before the event with my mother cleaning virtually every room in the house from top to bottom, with a warning that we kids better not mess up any of her hard work. Then, the cooking would start a few days before the date, and the good china and silverware would be brought out to be laid on the dining room table. By the time the guests were due to arrive, the Jell-O molds had chilled, the ham and au gratin potatoes had been baked, the guest towels in the bathroom had been hung, and the ash trays and coasters had been set out, including the extra folding chairs and TV trays.
Sound familiar? I don’t think my mother was all that different from most mothers back in the 60’s and 70’s. Entertaining guests was a high-energy undertaking, and folks took great pride in making their homes as attractive and welcoming as possible. Except for one of our neighbors and a good friend of my parents whose housekeeping skills left a bit to be desired, and whose greatest concern was making sure the “extra” refrigerator was always stocked with beer. However, she was one of the most hospitable, friendly and funny persons I knew. She wasn’t hung up on all the finer things in life; it was her friends and neighbors who mattered the most.
So there you have it – a tale of two mothers, very different in style but equally dedicated to hospitality and attentiveness not unlike Martha and Mary in today’s Gospel. Together, the two sisters from Bethany made a great team. Each had her own particular interests and gifts. But Martha, the fussbudget of the duo, had to come to realize that she and her sister Mary didn’t have to compete with each other for Jesus’ attention or affection. That’s a good lesson for all of us to learn. We don’t have to be all things for all people all the time. Each of us has our own unique gifts to bring to the table. It’s what makes our relationships so exciting and special.
I am reminded here of the lyrics from one of the songs in Jerry Herman’s musical “La Cage Aux Folles” where one of the characters sings: “I am what I am I am my own special creation. So come take a look, give me the hook or the ovation. It’s my world that I want to take a little pride in, my world, and it’s not a place I have to hide in. Life’s not worth a damn, ’til you can say, ‘Hey world, I am what I am.’” In other words, our differences and our uniqueness are what make the world go ‘round. Be yourself, be good to others, and enjoy each moment as it comes!
On another note, in last week’s letter I neglected to mention that the Paschal Candle stand which Steve Balkun created for us was given by the Pace Family in memory of their parents, Johanna and Gus Pace. The pedestal for the Baptismal bowl is still available as a memorial gift. Also, I am hoping to complete our set of dupioni silk vestments from the C.M. Almy company. I would like to have them create a green vestment for Autumn-Winter in Ordinary Time. If any parishioner is interested in making a gift for either of these items, please contact me at [email protected].
Blessings on your week ahead.
Fr. Tim Shreenan, O.F.M.
Pastor