April 27, 2015

The Times They Are a Changin'

13 Keep on loving one another as brothers and sisters. 2 Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it. (Hebrews 13:1-2 NIV)

When first I heard Bob Dylan sing "The Times They Are a Changin" I was young. The world seemed an exciting place, beckoning with adventure. Wonderful experiences shimmered in the distance, and the future appeared as a miraculous gift begging for opening.

For the few who haven't yet heard, my older daughter, Joanna, will graduate from the College of New Jersey next month. With degree in hand, she embarks upon what she terms "her real life." After living in the same town since birth, including attending college there, she feels ready for a change.

Through the wonders of the Internet, Joanna has secured a year-long position in Melbourne, Australia, and has already purchased her airline ticket. At the airport, I will say good-bye and prepare to be separated from her for an entire year.

The Antipodes prepare to receive her, filled with new people, places and experiences. All I can do is hope that they treat her well, offer her hospitality, and welcome her into their lives and churches. My daughter has grown into a remarkable young woman who possesses a world view which resides in a different hemisphere from mine.

She anticipates a joyous year, while I fear she will be run over by gamboling kangaroos, not to mention bitten by spiders and snakes native to Australia. Living a five-minute walk from the beach, I envision encounters with great white sharks, while she looks forward to swimming in the warm ocean, and basking in the milder climate of Melbourne.

I fervently hope her faith will be proven justified.

"In the name of God I go on this journey. May God the Father be with me, God the Son protect me, and God the Holy Ghost be by my side. Amen."

Contributed by Carol
Monday April 27, 2015
Liturgical Year B: Week 22
Liturgical Color: White
Sunday Gospel reading: Easter4
Fourth Sunday in Easter Sunday