Thank you all for your tremendous support for the spiritual bouquet for Bishop Clark. I want to thank you all for your comments and contributions. I found the discussion fascinating as it evolved. Don’t think twice about writing lots in the comments. In my mind Cleansing Fire is a true community and I think the comments section is as important as the original posts. And don’t fear being honest about your thoughts and feelings. The more honest you are, the better someone else might be able to offer a suggestion to help you over a hurdle.

The bishop’s last two Along the Way columns are quite pertinent:

1) It is good to be inspired by others. In this column, the bishop talks about his devotion to St. Matthew (whose feast we will be celebrating when Bishop Clark receives the letter). I was quite pleased to read this because I wasn’t sure if St. Matthew would be special for Bishop Clark.

My own name, Matthew, honors immediately my father whose name I bear and — going up the line — my grandfather who was the first of the three Matthews. To me the name has always linked me in a warm and pleasing way with two people who taught me a great deal and have always meant a great deal to me.

My father took delight in our name. He loved to encourage me when St. Matthew’s name was mentioned that “if that Matthew made it, we’ll be OK.” His obvious reference was to the fruits of God’s grace operative in the life of one who had no particular claim or entitlement to God’s gracious mercy. That’s true of all of us for sure. But I knew that my father also was referring to Matthew’s occupation as a tax collector. My dad also was a tax collector; he was an officer for U.S. Customs at the Port of Albany. Dad gladly packaged himself with Matthew in that occupation and was sure he enjoyed the prayers of the saint to his own well-being.

2) Looking ahead to retirement. Apparently the bishop wants to hang around Rochester after his retirement. I can’t imagine this is a great idea. If the new bishop does his job and starts enforcing changes, then many of those who endear our bishop are going to be unhappy. What will they do then? Run to the bishop emeritus? Will he continue to provide a safe haven for them? Or perhaps the new bishop will win everyone over. Stranger things have happened. Either way, the man needs our prayers.

Since you’re all putting so much effort into this, I’d like to ask for your input. You’re probably wondering what will actually be sent to Bishop Clark. My thought was to send him this card and this prayer card. In the card (or a separate letter placed inside the card depending on how much space there is), I’ll write a simple note and list the number and types of prayers offered for his sake. In my next post I’ll write out the exact wording so you’ll have a chance to proof-read it before it I send it. I’d like to order the cards soon, though, so I get them in time. You’re probably also wondering how we’re doing. I’d say we’re doing good. You can have a look for yourself here (the bolded totals row is what I’ll use). Christian and Brother of Penance, I have entered yours for you as requested. There were a few entries with 10s across the board, which I am removing from the totals. I’m guessing they are fakes. If you are the one who entered those and they are for real, please let me know and I will include them. Also, instead of embedding the form in these posts, I will just provide a link. So, here it is.

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