Letter from Bishop Christensen: It's good to be here
SUPERIOR -- These words, "It's good to be here," echo St. Peter's as he gave thanks to the Lord on Mount Tabor. The Transfiguration of Jesus was more than the Apostle could comprehend. However, by his words we know that he was delighted to be included in the experience of God's profound presence as seen on that mountain.
Lately, I too find myself echoing the words of St. Peter, "It's good to be here." On Thanksgiving Day I will have been installed as bishop one day shy of two months. Already I am flooded with so many wonderful experiences of God's presence in this great diocese I now call home. I am grateful for the many, many kindnesses offered to me as I have been welcomed into the lives of your parish churches and schools. My heart overflows with gratitude to God to be able to journey through this beautiful countryside that you have already known as home.
If I had to single out just one experience that I am grateful for thus far as your bishop, it would have to be the story of a little boy named Ethan.
The story begins following the confirmation Mass at St. Joseph Church in Rhinelander on Sunday, Oct. 21. Ethan, a fourth grader, approached me after his older brother was confirmed and excitedly informed me that it was his birthday. At which point, I wished him a very happy birthday. However, Ethan then immediately corrected me saying that his birthday was actually the next day. It was at that moment that I decided I would make public mention of this fact at the all-school Mass the following day. It was then, during the homily, I said that I needed a "prop person." I asked if Ethan the fourth grader was present. Out of the church filled with school children and their parents, rose a fourth grader's hand. I then asked Ethan if he would come forward and assist me.
During the homily I chose to explain why a bishop looks the way he does, all decked-out with crosier, miter and ring. As I explained each of the items, I proceeded to entrust them to Ethan's care. Soon he began to look like the youngest, little bishop on the face of this earth. His classmates delighted in the transformation they saw with clapping and loud cheers. And then, when I announced the fact that it was also Ethan's birthday, the cheers seemed to lift the rafters of the church. Ethan smiled with delight, as did his mother when she later offered her thanks for singling her son out of the crowd.
Following Mass I realized that a miracle of love had also transpired that day. When touring the school I was told by one of the teachers that Ethan's older sister was one of her students. The teacher wanted to let me know that Ethan's sister had prayed with her classmates every day the previous week, "Please God let Ethan have a birthday he will never forget." The teacher and I knew that her daily prayers were answered.
I tell this story, because it gives a glimpse of God's presence in our everyday lives, in such seemingly ordinary events. When we become aware of such events something deep, down within us is touched. We are made blessed to understand God's tender presence, as well as the fact that we are living a deeper, more profound dimension than often meets the eye. Through these events, we come to know that we are never alone. God is watching us--not from a distance--but from within the very fabric of our daily lives.
Why did St. Peter say on that mount, "It's good to be here?" He did so as he was able to witness the radiant transformation of Jesus before his very eyes. He also did so because he and his friends had been singled out to understand in an even a more profound way, that they too are the beloved children of God, in whom the Lord is well pleased.
How much we have to be grateful for in this life. I hope and pray that this Thanksgiving holiday will find each of us ever more ready to see God's presence manifested our daily events. May this be especially true as we offer our gratitude for the many blessings we have received from our God.
Please know that I am so grateful for this wonderful Diocese of Superior, which allows me to say--It's so good to be here!
Happy Thanksgiving!
Bishop Peter Christensen
© Superior Catholic Herald, 2007