Sowing and Reaping; or How to Make a Mission Priest Cry

"Come in! Come in!" I said. "You've got me so curious now! I'm always interested in things for Elijah's Mantle."

 

Setting the case on my desk, my friend cracked it open. There, in glistening gold, was a complete set of all the liturgical items needed to celebrate the Eucharist: chalice, spoon, discos, star, veils, Gospel, censer, cross, candlesticks... everything. Within the red velvet-lined case, each piece was nestled in custom cutouts, neatly packed and ready to travel.

 

"My friend, this is amazing!" I said. "Thank you! We will find the right home for this. This belongs strapped to the back of a motorcycle of a priest visiting missions in Mexico. Maybe on a bush plane in Alaska... but I would really like to see this in Mexico."

 

A few weeks later, Fr. John Parker, the Dean of our Seminary, was accompanying His Beatitude Metropolitan Tikhon to Mexico. He would also be visiting the Pak family, recent graduates from St. Tikhon's, and current OCMC missionaries in Mexico. He was passing through the office area, packing last-minute items for his flight.

 

"Fr. John, remember that missionary set that came into Elijah's Mantle? Would you have room to pack it with you on your trip?"

 

I did not know exactly what would come of it, but I knew Michael and Carlyn would know what to do.

 

"Where is it?" Fr. John smiled.

 

For those who do not know Fr. John, know this: The missionary work of the Church is wrought in the very sinew of this man's body, bound up in his bones, and laced with gold in his heart. He would find room in his luggage for this.

 

Scriptures say that one sows and another reaps. We are all part of the Great Story of the Church and are often not given to know how our part affects others. As Fr. John grasped the handle and carried the case from my office, my part in this story ended. I did not expect to know what happened next.

 

A few days later, I received this text from Carlyn: "Father Bless! Thank you so much for sending that travel liturgy kit with Fr. John for us!!!! The timing was perfect as we were able to pass it on that weekend to one of the priests who visits remote indigenous parishes in the mountains. He was so grateful he cried."

I must admit, receiving this text moistened my eyes as well.

 

Only in heaven will we know the full story. One day, I hope to hear the story of this briefcase, now worn with use and with a few flecks of mud outlining where bungee cords had strapped it in place. It sits in the corner of the sacristy as the mission priest serves communion to the people of a mountain village.

To learn about Michael and Carlyn's mission story, please read here www.ocmc.org/the-pak-family.