Until we get to heaven, I think it's safe to say that it is hard to find, or be a part of, a gathering of people in which everyone is happy.  If it's a competitive situation, then the team or person who loses, is usually not happy.

I was blessed to share in a gathering recently in which everyone seemed to be happy.  It was the state Special Olympics in Searcy, Arkansas, and the happy people were not only the athletes who were participating in the games that were offered by the Knights of Columbus, but also the Knights and some wives of the Knights (mostly from Sacred Heart Parish in Hot Springs Village) who enjoyed watching the athletes play some fun games and win little prizes for their efforts.  The Lord is truly working His love in all those who participate in the Special Olympics in this venue and in smaller gatherings of these athletes and volunteers in various parts of the state.

I am so very proud of the Knights of Columbus who support Special Olympics, not only here in Arkansas, but throughout the country.  It is one more way that the Knights stand as a living witness of Jesus for others to see (and hopefully strive to imitate).

I do want to personally thank Dub and Geri Green for their hard, faithful and lengthy leadership of the Olympic Town games that are sponsored by the state Knights of Columbus each year on Memorial Day weekend.  God's blessing upon them and Fred and Joan Jungers of Sacred Heart Parish who will take over and begin preparing for the HAPPY gathering of athletes and volunteers next year!

In the aftermath of last week's storm that did damage to some parts of the Village and put some people in the dark without electricity for a time, I have a few reflections.  First of all, I am grateful for those from our parish who are on our disaster response team, stepping forward and helping people in their time of need. I was one of those people who needed help, as a couple of trees fell across the path getting down to the rectory.  Some men came with chainsaws, and in an hour or so, had cleared the way for me to get my car down to the rectory.  Way to go men!  Secondly, as one who was without electricity for about two days, I found myself keenly aware of how quiet the atmosphere was in places that are used to having electricity.  I know some people who are used to at least some noise (coming from a refrigerator or some other source) would be tempted to get away from such quiet and find some noise.  I know I was.  These, however, are opportunities to sit still in the quiet and let God's "tiny whisper" speak to us, and if nothing else, bring us peace. Finally, being without power led me to give thanks for something that I take for granted (electricity), and the ways it helps us in our day-to-day lives.  Perhaps there are other things, and especially people, who we take for granted, that we need to show appreciation to God (and to them), and strive each day to be a blessing to those we meet or help in any way we can.

After last weekend's Mass, I received some nice compliments on my homily, including one parishioner who said "That homily wasn't boring."  I then received an e-mail message from a parishioner who said I was too redundant in my homily presentation.

I know that when one preaches a homily to hundreds of people, it is going to be received in different ways by those who listen, and produce a variety of responses.  I pray that I will always listen or read respectfully, what someone has to say, and always be thankful for those who have tried to listen to what was said and be open to what God has to say through His Faithful, and yet very human, instrument of His Word.

I was impressed by yet another person who came up to me and questioned something I said about Jesus being "on the move," even before Jesus was born as He traveled in the womb of Mary to visit her cousin, Elizabeth.  After Mass, the person who came up to me said: "Wasn't it John the baptist who stirred in his mother's womb on that occasion?"  I admitted that she was right, as the Scriptures don't tell us that Jesus stirred in Mary's womb when she visited Elizabeth.

I am pleased and give thanks to God that we have more and more Catholics who read and study the Scripture at mass, on their own, and in Scripture Studies like those we offer here at Sacred Heart.  It reminds me that I must do my best to always be true to what the Scripture says and be open (which I want to be) to those who recognize any missteps I make when it comes to Scripture at Mass or anytime.