Remembering the 20th

Today, September 23, 2017, is the 20th Anniversary of the death of my father, John Edward Thompson, Jr.  I was pleased to accept the invitation of my Pastor, Fr. Bryan Lowe, to serve as Deacon at the morning Mass that was offered for him, and give the Homily.  To the best of my recollection, here's a mix of what I said, and what I've added for this post in the hours since!

Memorial of Saint Pius of Pietrelcina, Priest (Padre Pio)
First Reading: 1 TM 6:13-16; Psalm: PS 100:1B-2, 3, 4, 5; Goepel: LK 8:4-15

Today marks twenty years since the passing of my Dad, and it's fair to say that without the love of God, he & my Mom, I wouldn't be here!  It is also fair to say that whether if it was an accident or a prolonged illness, expected or not, we all have that special someone that has died, and yet still remains with us year after year, reminding us of where we come from, and the source of the shoulders upon which we stand.

Twenty years ago I was privileged to offer a Eulogy at his funeral, and because of the amazing outpouring of support from friends and family, as well as some honored guests from the Church, the first words out of mouth were, "Wow Dad! Look at all of this... A Bishop?"  Today I would echo that, as this day also marks the death of St. Pius of Pietrelcina, better known as "Padre Pio."  Wow Dad... You're sharing a day with a Saint?  Looking at the Ordo, the commentary speaks of Padre Pio as being dedicated to the Eucharist, and celebrated as the Patron of Catholic Adolescence.  While I would be reaching if I were to draw any similarities between Ed Thompson, a.k.a. "Mr. Ed," and St. Padre Pio, one connection would certainly be that knowing my father's stories of his adolescence, someone was watching over him for sure! :)

In the first reading today, St. Paul describes to Timothy the Lord Jesus Christ, "the King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone has immortality, who dwells in unapproachable light, and whom no human being has seen or can see." (1 TM 6: 15-16)  Yet, God DID send His only Son so that we might have everlasting life with Him, and in knowing Christ, we too share in the hope of being welcomed in to that light, not as humans, but as God children.  So, we know by faith, that those who go before us are welcomed to the table!  I guess that's why Paul continues, "to him be honor and eternal power. Amen."

The Psalm of the Day also celebrates our's, and Dad's promise: "[Come with joy into the presence of the Lord.]  Enter his gates with thanksgiving, his courts with praise; Give thanks to him; bless his name." (Psalm 100: 4)  Another connection we can make with Padre Pio today is through his real presence with the Holy Eucharist.  Like many, Padre Pio knew of the Lord's goodness and real presence in his midst through the Eucharist.  And if you remember your basic CCD mantra, a Sacrament is an outward sign of an inward grace, making the Sacrament of Holy Eucharist real food from the real Christ, who really sits at the right hand of the Father, at the table of the Lord's eternal banquet.  Yes... we are connected at the Table(s) of the Lord, both here in this church and eternal in heaven.  Padre Pio, Mr. Ed, and your loved ones, all in communion with the Lord Jesus Christ.

Finally, the Gospel today is that of the Parable of the Sower and the Seed. (LK 8:4-15)  While this Parable has almost become "cliche-ish," that is, we've got this one!  The seed is the Word, and as it is shared it sometimes falls on rocky ground or amidst the thorns.  But there are also those times where it falls on rich soil, only to take root and grow!  So we must again remind ourselves that we who are called to share the "Good News" must do so without worry as to where it falls... Just share!  But with respect to my reflecting on our Lord, the Father Almighty, and my own father, Mr. Ed, I would add this: Maybe we are created and "sown" into this life of ours.  Sometimes life brings us to rocky paths, and sometimes it lands among the thorns, but our Lord also plants us in rich soil as well.  It is here that we grow and know of His love.  It is here that families are built upon strong roots, and foundations of faith, hope and love!

My Dad's greatest legacy, among the many stories, the great music on the old "Curtis Mathis," and the ups and downs of life's successes and challenges, is his love of God, his love with my Mom, his love of his children Greg, Gary and Kristen, and his foundation upon which their families are built.  He has been given a path into the "unapproachable light," and we are promised that same invitation, for one day, not too many years from now, we'll all be together again!

Eternal rest grant unto him O Lord, 
and let perpetual LIGHT shine upon him!