"Deacon Grandpa Tim" Baptizes Thaddeus
Mother’s Day, 10 May 2009
What a day it was! Even now, 4 days after the Baptism of our first grandchild, Thaddeus Nolan, I’m unwrapping the mystery of the sacrament, savoring each petal of the flower of redemption of grace with which our grandson was blessed.
More to come in the days ahead… understanding, remembering, owning this amazing time with family and friends.
Filed under: At Home, Ministry | Tagged: baptism, grandchild, Mother's Day, sacrament
Deacon Tim,
First, let me recognize your Deacon Ordination anniversary this coming Sunday. Second, what a great joy it must have been to baptize your grandson. He now is re-created as a child of God. You now have 2 special relationships with Thaddeus. Seeing the Baptism picture led me to reflect on relationships and your ordination day one year ago.
As you well know, it was a special day for my family in that my mom died. While trying to make sense of the juxtaposition of the joy and sorrow of the day, I re-read the daily Gospel reading for May 17th, 2008, which was the Transfiguration story according to Mark. Just as Jesus’ clothing becomes dazzlingly white, so to does the Baptismal Rite place a white garment reflecting a Transfiguration from Original Sin to a state of Grace. Also as Kathy Colligan (personal side note- her and John are responsible for Sue and I meeting and later being married and are our oldest son’s Godparents) mentioned to me talking to me on Sunday, the 18th, you were being ordained near to the time my mom was on her way to a new life. In both cases, your lives were transfigured into a more beautiful way to celebrate with God.
I will always remember how being in your presence that day was so comforting. I could have echoed what Peter said on the mountain, “It is good we are here.” Even though we couldn’t stay for your generous offer to share lunch, I felt reassured that all would be OK. In effect, I was one of the first persons you ministered to as a Deacon.
One final thought, I read your recent post about our new shepherd and how you wondered how your role would be affected. I also know that St. Pauls / Barts will have a new administrator in Father Ralph Bove. He has been at St. James since fall. I mentioned to him this past Sunday (he had announced 2 weeks ago he would be leaving to take the assignment), that you were a classmate of mine. He humbly asked that I put in a good word for him to you. I think any words would be inadequate. He has been a wonderful presence at St. James and I believe you will find him supportive and very spiritual.
In all your challenges, may God bless you, the road rise to meet you (cycling will be easier) and God hold you in the palm of His hand! Enjoy your anniversary weekend with Linda and family!
John
John – Thank you so much for the words of insight and encouragement! While I am still pondering the depth of the gift with which Ordination has graced our family, your thoughts clearly make connections that are so meaningful and illustrative of the power of the Holy Spirit in all or our lives.
I will be remembering your mother in my morning and evening prayers this weekend. Our mothers have such a profound impact on our lives and perhaps it was the realization last Sunday on little Thaddeus’ Christening Day that we were also celebrating Mother’s Day that prompted me to gather all of the mothers in attendance and bless them both from the Blessing for Mothers in the Book of Blessings, but also to shower them with that same holy water of Baptism I had just blessed for my grandson!
An awesome day all around. Thanks again for your note and God bless you and your family.
Tim
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