August 27, 2023

Dear Parishioners,

When Jesus asks the apostles who people say he is, they respond, “Some say John the Baptist, others Elijah, still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” Interesting that no one out there is saying, “You are Jesus. You are who you are.” It’s like if I were to ask you, “Who do people say I, Father James Wallace, am?” After checking my sanity, you’d say, “You’re Father James Wallace. You’re a Roman Catholic Priest. You’re the pastor of Saint Paul of the Cross.” Pretty obvious.

So why don’t people call Jesus Jesus? Why do they call him John the Baptist, Elijah, Jeremiah, and so forth?

It’s almost like Jesus is too good to be his own guy. He has to be another Elijah or whatever. The Israelites weren’t used to thinking outside the box, creating new characters.

Not Peter though. He gives Jesus his own. Peter recognizes Jesus is someone special, someone unique. He’s not another Jeremiah or Moses or David. He’s Jesus. He’s the Eternal Word, the Son of the Living God, the Savior of the World. There’s no one else like him.

I think we would say the same thing about Jesus. We don’t compare Jesus to some great world leader or other figure from history. Jesus is someone special for us.

Now, back to you and me. After saying your name and maybe your position (father, mother, your career, etc.), what else would someone say about you if you were to ask them “Who am I?” Another way we could phrase the question is, what would someone say about you in your funeral homily/liturgy?

I’ve been thinking about this for myself lately, especially since I attended last week the funeral of Fr. Mike Scherschel, a Chicago priest who was the pastor of St. Hubert Parish in Hoffman Estates. Fr. Mike died unexpectedly of a heart attack at age 59. Fr. Bob Rizzo, who used to be here at St. Paul of the Cross and was Fr. Mike’s predecessor at St. Hubert, gave an excellent homily.

Not to be narcissistic, but me and a number of priests who were speaking afterwards wondered what would be said about us in our funeral homilies, should we die unexpectedly. It certainly gave me something to pray about. Perhaps you can pray about it too. How have you lived your life and what have you made known to others about yourself?

For me, I hope I’ve made known to you all the love of Jesus Christ. I hope I’ve communicated to you all how to pray to God and how to truly hand your heart over to him. I am very close to God. I don’t go a minute of my day without thinking about him and praying. All that time spent with God has given me a unique look at the face of Jesus, and I hope I would have helped you all see Jesus. (Now, I don’t think I’ve done this adequately, which is perhaps why God hasn’t yet taken me.)

That is me, James Wallace. That is uniquely me.

And you are you. There is something special about you. When other people say your name, may they know that essence. And may you have the grace in your remaining years to communicate that essence to others.

---------- + ----------

This Sunday at 10:30am will be our Farewell Mass for Adrienne Timm, who is retiring after 30 years as Director of Social Services Ministry at Saint Paul of the Cross. We welcome Bishop Robert Lombardo as the main celebrant for the Mass and Fr. Carl Morello as the homilist. All are invited following Mass to a reception in the gym. Adrienne, you will be missed, but we are grateful for your years of service. God bless you in this next chapter of your life.

This Wednesday, August 30th at 7:30pm in the church is the Candlelight Rosary sponsored by the Respect Life group. Thank you to all participants in the service and especially to the musicians and organizers.

We will also hold our Wednesday Scripture Seminar this Wednesday at 9am in the Holy Family Chapel. All are welcome to attend, even if it’s your first time.

Looking ahead to next week, on Monday, September 4th we will have just one Mass at 8:30am for Labor Day. There will be no daily confessions at 8am that day.

Yours in Christ,