We Will Miss Him

Our pastor died last night.  Father Paul Campbell.  

I didn't know him well.  Not personally.   But I go to Mass frequently during the week -- and of course on Sundays -- and I came to look forward to, and really appreciate his homilies.  

On weekdays they were short -- never more than 3 minutes -- but always straight forward with a clear, specific message to carry through the day.   

On Sundays he became the dramatic story teller, engaging the entire congregation.  He would pull out a particular phrase from the days gospel or prayers -- often some remote passage -- and he would frown or maybe laugh, sometimes mimic or exaggerate -- whatever it took to draw us in.   And then he would explain the doctrine, the meaning, the logic and common sense of those words and impress on us how that phrase, written so long ago, is not only relevant but vitally important in our lives today.

He made us think.  He encouraged us to question.  He met the challenges and criticism of the church today with honest admission of our shortcomings and failings -- and with prayer, hope and encouragement for the church.   And he always insisted that the church be "inclusive" -- that Christ's message and love is for every single person!

These are just a few of the things I will remember from his teaching.  These are the reasons I was so grateful that he came to our parish. 

This morning a small group gathered in the chapel for our regular Monday morning Mass -- a young priest from the local seminary was at the alter -- and in our hearts many of us were questioning "Why?"  Why would God let this man who was spreading God's message so effectively be taken away?  Why would this man who had so much to share and the ability to teach and influence so many in such positive ways, be struck down so suddenly?  

Maybe Father Paul himself gave the answer -- just a few weeks ago in one of his weekday homilies he said  "When you don't understand why something happens, remember the Lord's Prayer -- 'Thy Will Be Done'. "   

Too simple an answer?  Perhaps.  But I think that phrase holds much more truth than simple acceptance.  I'll have more thoughts to share about that in my next blog.    

Meanwhile, we pray for the repose of the soul of Father Paul Campbell, and ask God to comfort his family and friends.