Twilight Twitches

Dear Family,
What is God writing on your heart? When I read today's scripture from Jeremiah, that was the first thing that came to my mind. For the Jews, it was their Law that God was writing, but it wasn't on stone tablets; it was on their hearts. The Law was God's gift that was meant ultimately to be a matter of the heart.

So, here I am thinking, "What is God writing on my heart?" If I want God writing something on my heart, I've got to do what the Jews did and bring something— like the Law — which I treasure. For some reason I can't explain, I remembered something my grandmother said to me just before she died: "Don't waste your time missing people. Pay attention to the ones around you."

Dear Family,
How goes your Prayer, your Fasting, your Almsgiving... the PFA Challenge?

I’m trying, but I need to sharpen my approach. Halfway through Lent I’m afraid I’m doing a half-hearted job. One good thing is that having to write this Twitch definitely refocuses me. Thank you, Lord, for the task. I will try harder!

Now that I’ve told you, I’m stuck with having to be more accountable, so feel free to ask me anytime how I’m shaping up... spiritually, not physically. If I smile (behind the mask) you’ll know I found something to help my make-over. If I snarl (behind the mask) you’ll know I need to sharpen by efforts.

Accountability is a wonderful thing – for everyone else.

Dear Family,
Do you have a mental list of names of people you really intend to call... one of these days? That’s where the header on this Twitch is coming from.

This week I received the news about the death of Sister Mary Tindal. O.P. She was an Adrian Dominican. That community has a long history in this diocese, Barry University being one of their great accomplishments.

Mary was a great musician. When we began the Office of Worship for the Archdiocese of Miami in 1978, she brought her skills to many. For many years she was the music director at St. Mary’s Cathedral. I was stationed there in the early 80’s and had the chance to work closely with her not only in the cathedral but in the Worship Office.

Dear Family,
Some of you may have noticed that the house (2512 Barbara Drive) next to the rectory has been on the market. One of the unwritten rules that you learn after you’re ordained and certainly after you become a pastor, is that regarding the sale of church property, the rule is simple: “Don’t!”

In the history of the Church in Florida, one of the famous historical notes is that Archbishop Joseph P. Hurley, Bishop of Saint Augustine from 1940 to 1967 was a man of vision who bought property all over the state in the 40’s and the 50’s when some of it was even under water.

I don’t have the exact facts, but I’d be willing to bet that half the parishes in Florida are built on “Hurley Land.” Our own parish sits on ground purchased during Archbishop Hurley’s tenure. In 1955, Monsignor O’Looney of St. Anthony’s announced a campaign to raise $200,000 for the ‘mission’ of St. Sebastian. The building went up in 1958/9 and here we are. But other spaces would be needed.