The Long And Winding Road

Lead Me To Your Door

2008-04-11

The long and winding road
That leads to your door
Will never disappear.

I’ve seen that road before
It always leads me here;
Lead me to you door.

Wow. I never thought I’d be quoting Beatles lyrics when reflecting upon my impending ordination. But, then, Lennon & McCartney’s song of longing seems to sum up so succinctly my particular journey to a closer relationship with God. I’m sure they were singing about a girl back in 1970, but if you read those opening lines with a little “faith,” you can probably see what I mean.

It’s only days before I am to be ordained a Permanent Deacon for the Diocese of Memphis in Tennessee – ordained to the service of the Bishop and his ministry to the Church of West Tennessee. And as I look back on how I got here, I realize that my life has been a long and winding road. It’s a bit like those Family Circus cartoons, where the little kids going on a simple errand for mom, run all over the neighborhood, and all you see is a bunch of squiggly, dotted lines to mark the places where they’ve been. There is always a shorter, more-direct route (probably a lot safer, too), but it wouldn’t be life then. I’ve had my trips through the park, up and down the teeter-totter, along the garden path via the lemonade stand. But, I’ve also spent a little time in the trashcans, through the city dump and out where they walk the dogs. But, like the kids in Family Circus, I always end up where I’m supposed to…back home.

In my case, home is the Catholic Church, in the loving embrace of the Father. God knows where I’ve been, but apparently, He always knew where I’d end up as well. Looking back on where I’ve been, I understand why I never knew (until now) that this was to be my calling. But, I also believe that everywhere I’ve been, and everything I’ve done (yes…everything) has played some part in my being here today…trying on vestments.

I still need to pinch myself every now and then. It truly is hard to believe. In response to my more-frequent looks of pondering (read: staring off into space), my wife, Bess, has been known to ask me, “Earth to Jeff…What are you thinking about?” I always just answer with a smile. She knows.

Now, I’m speaking primarily for myself, but I bet there are 21 other men who might share at least some of the same feelings at this point. Our class of 22 Deacon Candidates has truly been on a journey…no, a trip.

And the trip thus far has been fantastic: the things we’ve learned; the places we’ve gone; the activities we’ve done; and, the people we’ve met along the way. I think that’s the greatest part: the people. The instructors, the mentors, the families and friends of fellow candidates, and all the wonderful people of the diocese who have all supported our formation prayerfully, corporally and financially, will be treasured forever.

We’ll also treasure those who have left us – some who for one reason or another could not complete their formation. We appreciate the time we spent together and we will always count them as dear friends. And, we remember another who was called home to God before he could finish formation. May Bob Warrer rest in eternal peace.

It has been a beautiful experience to meet so many wonderful people and see the light of Christ shine so brightly in all of them. It brings a long-lost feeling of hope to a world thought to be on the brink of self-destruction. But, then, that’s what God does so well, doesn’t He?

Well, He did it for me. While I may not have been on the brink of self-destruction, I certainly did need a good look in the mirror. And, that’s what I got. I thank my wife for that…and my kids…and my friends…and…my God.

So, here I sit, once again staring into space, just pondering what God has in store for me as a Permanent Deacon for our diocese, and just how I got here. And I ask you to pray for me. Pray for my fellow Deacon Candidates. Pray for Bishop Steib. Pray for our Church.

While my “long and winding road” has lead me straight to God’s door, to Holy Mother Church, I know that there are others – countless others – who could use your prayers that they might see what God has willed for them, and that He might bring them home.

(Lyrics by Lennon/McCartney, Copyright 1970, Apple Music)

Comments

Let this be Mary's Land

2008-09-21

Deacon,
Did Mary also call you on your journey back to the faith? As a young adult, I remember going to confession and the priest telling me to say a Hail Mary and I had to go look the Pray up. How awful to forget such a beautiful prayer. I believe if more Catholics said the Hail Mary slowly, "and blessed is the fruit of your Womb, Jesus" there would be much less abortions. I try to pray daily that this land become Mary's Land. God Bless you,Anne McGEE

Reply from Deacon Jeff

2008-09-28