When We Die, We Go Home
“When your time comes to die, be not like those whose hearts are filled with fear of death, so that when their time comes they weep and pray for a little more time to live their lives over again in a different way. Sing your death song, and die like a hero going home.” ~ Tecumseh
I have said something repeatedly through all my years as a priest: we are all saints-in-the-making. When we die, we do not die as miserable failures. Rather, if we lived our lives as faithfully as possible, we enter into the glory that is God Himself. We enter the Kingdom as God’s saints. We are like heroes going home.
This past week, we said farewell to the Third Bishop of the Diocese of Gary: Bishop Dale J. Melczek. He passed away after suffering a stroke. His passing causes many to think back to when he arrived in the diocese.
Bishop Melczek was sent to the Diocese of Gary by Pope John Paul II to act as an Apostolic Administrator with Right of Succession as the present bishop, Bishop Norbert F. Gaughan, had suffered a debilitating stroke. After four years as administrator, Bishop Gaughan turned 75, the mandatory age to submit a resignation for a bishop, and Bishop Melczek was named our bishop.
Bishop Melczek had been the executive director of the diaconate in the United States. Thus, when he came to the Diocese of Gary, he facilitated the resumption of the deacon formation program, giving our parish the deacons we have had for many years. Rest in peace, Bishop Melczek.
The job of a bishop is a difficult one. They inherit many things from their predecessors. Some of the things they have to deal with are very tricky and have lasting implications. Some of the things are much easier. But put all together, it’s a tough job. A very tough job.
FAITH ACTION: Today, I am asking all who read this to do something that is very important: pray for bishops.
- Pray for our bishop, Bishop Robert J. McClory, that God gives him the grace that he needs to lead the Diocese of Gary.
- Pray for all bishops, that they have God’s grace, love, and protection. Pray for new bishops that they episcopacies may be grace-filled. Pray for bishops who are preparing to retire, that they may think back with joy on their ministries.
- Pray for the Bishop of Rome, Pope Francis, that God gives him the grace and wisdom that he needs to guide the Church to the Kingdom.