"Innocence"

December 1, 2009

The Year for Priests

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

On the recent trip to Baltimore for the Bishops’ Conference, I was surprised to witness something that I haven’t experienced in such a long time.  The airplane, of course, was jammed; seats were three and three across.  I managed to get a seat on the aisle—which is my usual preference—thanks to my secretary’s incomparable diligence in planning.  The two seats next to me were occupied by a very pregnant woman, and her young son, who I estimate was about four or five years old, sitting at the window.

The child was very well behaved and it was obvious that the two of them had a really good relationship.  I engaged in a little small talk with the mother as we settled into our seats, and then I spent most of the remainder of the flight buried in my paperwork in preparation for the meeting.

When we landed, we spoke a bit more and I commented on how well behaved her son had been on the flight.  As I got up and retrieved my bag from the storage bin above us, I grabbed her bag at the same time.  As I handed it to her, I noticed that the little boy was blowing me kisses.   I was very taken back by that and looked at the Mother. She smiled acknowledging the child’s unfeigned affection.

The boy looked right at me, and with a smile from ear to ear said, “I like Isaiah!”

“He loves Bible stories,” his mother said.

For me, it was such a rare treat to interact with strangers that were so comfortable with a priest.  It truly warmed my heart. 

I saw the young family a while later in the baggage claim area.  This time her husband was there. She recalled the events that took place on the plane for her husband.  He seemed genuinely pleased that his son had been so openly affectionate and “childlike.”  We parted, very happy people.

The events of the priest abuse scandal have had such a terrible impact on the lives of so many people.  It has caused sadness and division in the Church and mistrust seems to continue today. 

I was so moved by this young child’s simple and profound act of innocence, acceptance and trust.

The true sense of Christmas is found in the joy that Mary’s Son brought to all of us.  He opened the door for so much wonder and awe.  It’s nice to see, every once in a while, that the sinfulness and misdeeds of some, have not managed to slam the door shut.

Faithfully in Christ,

Most Reverend William Patrick Callahan

Archdiocesan Administrator
Archdiocese of Milwaukee

To receive Bishop Callahan's Thought for the Week, submit your name and e-mail address here .