J T B + M I A = Mea Culpa, Mea Culpa, Mea Maxima Culpa!

Dear Friends,
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Wow: March 18th? It's been a while; I apologize for being 'missing in action' for quite some time now. No, I did not travel away to some tropical destination while our college celebrated Spring Break! Rather, I spent most of the time in my JMS office doing some very necessary spring cleaning. Thanks to those who stopped in the office this week and noticed a cleaner, more orderly office! If you think the desktop and shelves look a bit more organized, you should see what my files and the cavern under my desk looks like. I am grateful for the time that allowed me to get life and office in order. It gives me an added boost as we delve into Holy Week and the conclusion of our 109th year together at Saint Norbert College.
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Inspired by our House Superior at Saint Joseph Priory, Father Tim Shillcox, O. Praem., I decided that my nights free from college and parish obligations would be spent at the priory, painting my room. Father Tim makes this task seem so effortless; my experience was quite different! Looking at my milky white walls, seeking to add color (a spice-colored reddish-brown), I learned the meaning of the expression: "There's no turning back!"
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Once you splash a rather dark color on off-white walls, you realize that you have crossed a threshold -- you need to go all the way. What I thought would take a day lasted an entire week. I painted just one wall -- the others will be completed when school lets out in May. Now a week later, I must admit that the wall looks great -- yet if you look at the seam between the walls and the ceiling, I might start to get a bit discouraged! Further, if you look at the paint I slopped on the carpeted "mop boards," I'll feel a bit deflated. Nevertheless, once I find a solution to remove the paint from the carpet, all will be well. Once that happens, I'll be sure to add a picture here so you can see the finished outcome.
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At the end of that first humiliating night of painting, I returned to my bedroom across the hall -- my room that over looks the Old Saint Joe's bell tower -- my home away from home! The lights of the steeple shed light on the walls that my dad painted about 10 years ago. Guess what? The seams were flawless! It looks as though he used a straight-edge across the entire room. Recalling the painting of this room three years after my occupancy, I remember dad used only his 'level eyes' to create such fine horizons between wall and ceiling, wall and floor.
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Immediately I felt discouraged that my dad -- amidst heart issues and aproaching his late 60's and early 70's could do something that looked so fine, so perfect. But then I remembered the scripture passage from Saint Matthew 10:24, "A student is not above his master!" Dad's talents should be celebrated, not envied! What a great reminder of the works of a great, great person and role model!
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Friends, the cleaning and the painting has taken me away from this forum. I apologize for being so distant from all of you. Nevertheless, I've stored up many issues to address here. They will begin shortly. But until then, thanks for taking the time to check out this blog once again. While the work of preaching and presiding over Holy Week will be intense, I promise to keep in touch -- I hope you will as well!
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"Mea Culpa, Mea Culpa, Mea Maxima Culpa!"
Father James Baraniak, O. Praem.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Not to be picky, but let's try "Mea culpa, mea culpa, mea maxima culpa" Ah, the benefits of a classical education. But, yes, I often reverse letters so I understand all too well how it happens. "Glory to God for all things!"
Priest John

Anonymous said...

I see that you do read your comments. Have a good day.
John+

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