I met a lady after Mass on Sunday evening in Rockville Centre. She spoke to me about the Mass we had just celebrated and welcomed me to the parish. Then, the bombshell, “Are you related to the Fr Sherlock that used to come to the parish?” “A very close relation”, I replied. She awaited some clarification so I said “That’s me!” “Oh”, she replied. “What happened?” Enough said!
It’s strange to think how life moves on and changes take place but, at day’s end, that is life. I know there are things I can do to mind myself a bit, not least exercise and less food. While my mind knows that, there’s a reluctance somewhere to meet this realization half way. I make efforts from time to time but usually they are short lived and with limited success. I live in hope.
So, am I the same man I was ten, twenty or thirty years ago? In some ways, yes thanks be to God and in other ways maybe not. Life brings its share of changes and somehow these changes don’t and can’t allow us remain the same. I think we have to accept these but always try to be true to ourselves.
I’m reminded of my jubilee celebration back in 2012 and of meeting a woman and her grandchild in the porch of the church where some photos had been placed from the time of my ordination. The granny was about to make comment on the photos so I headed her off “I know I’ve changed a lot”, I said but the granddaughter, a young child said, “No, your smile is the same.” I was happy to hear that. I think if we can somehow try to hold onto the smile and the core values, the changes will take care of themselves.
So I’m happy to be a close relative of the Fr Sherlock the woman in Rockville Centre remembers.
“What happened?” Maybe the answer is LIFE!!