There was one year on a Sunday during Lent, and I don't remember which one, nor what the readings were about, but I remember a kind of mindset for prayer he suggested, using a couple of different examples. As best I can recall the gist of it, he said, "Lord, help me to see that the elderly couple who is moving slowly in front of me in the grocery store aisle found out that one of them is terminally ill, and they're seeking to spend the most of the time they have left together." In another example, he said, "Lord, help me to understand that the woman who cut me off in traffic is a single mom who's working multiple jobs to provide for her family, and is in a rush to get home to care for her children." It was so inspiring for me to hear that, because that kind of mindset helps us not to make quick judgments, but to try to be compassionate and understanding of others' situations. I was indeed so moved, I approached him after Mass to commend him for what he shared.
More recently--on what I believe was Pentecost Sunday, or perhaps another Sunday in Easter--he talked about how the priest sexual abuse crisis has helped make us a more humble Church. It is indeed disheartening and crushing to think of the devastation this situation has caused, and I was encouraged to hear him try to make sense of it as part of framing it within a larger context in his homily. Again, I don't remember everything in that homily, but I remember that one insight.
And then there was the homily he gave at his last Mass at Ascension, on Sunday, June 25, 2017. The readings for that weekend's liturgy included Jeremiah's lament in Jeremiah 20:10-13 about those who seek to persecute him because as a prophet, he proclaims the word of God, which is Truth that often denounces the actions of people. In the Gospel reading for that weekend, from Matthew 10:26-33, Jesus tells His disciples not to be afraid of those who can harm them physically, but can't harm their souls. Deacon Lendell wove insights from the readings masterfully into a reflection on his own experiences, how he has learned throughout the years to trust in God and not be afraid, as he has grown in faith while serving God's people as a deacon. With that confidence, he would go forth to a new assignment, not being afraid, but continuing to trust and abide in God, Who promises to care for us always, just as he has experienced God's care throughout his time as a member of the Ascension Parish community, for which he expressed deep gratitude for the many ways it has supported him. As a further moving tribute, his three children all offered their musical talents in singing "Here I am Lord" during the preparation of the altar at Mass.
Truly, Deacon Lendell is a great man of faith, who sets a wonderful example for us the faithful in walking before God always. You remain in my prayers, Deacon Lendell, as you continue, day by day, to faithfully answer the call to serve God by loving others in His name. And thank you for the service you have given to Ascension--thanks be to God!
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| Deacon Lendell giving the homily at his final Mass as a deacon at Ascension Parish |
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