Come, Follow me

06-26-2022Weekly ReflectionFr. John Sims Baker

The priests' convocation a couple of weeks ago was held at the new lodge at Paris Landing State Park on Kentucky Lake. It is a beautiful place, both the building and the setting. One especially striking feature is the view from the room set up to be our chapel. It was perfect! It has a pitched ceiling and a glass wall looking out onto the lake. Every time I saw this view during prayer or Mass, I kept being reminded of an experience from my pilgrimage to the Holy Land. When we visited Magdala on the Sea of Galilee -- it's actually a lake -- we entered a chapel there that had a glass wall facing the water, like the lodge at Paris Landing! The views were remarkably similar.

The altar at the chapel in Magdala is shaped like a fishing boat so that the priest celebrating Mass appears to be on a boat on the Sea of Galilee. It was in a setting exactly like this that Peter, Andrew, James, and John were called by the Lord Jesus to follow Him as his first disciples. It was an inspiration for me about my vocation, especially in company with all the brother priests of the diocese.

The apostles did not know what they were getting into when they followed Jesus, but they left their boats and followed Him. At this time, all I know is that I am leaving my boat here at Saint Rose! I am following the Lord where He calls me. I am very thankful for all the goodness I have experienced here, and I am also thankful for a bit of a break when I leave before the next adventure begins. Thank you for your prayers, and be assured of mine for you all!

Faithfully, Fr. Baker