May 9, 2010 THE UNFINISHED IMAGE
I received word a few months ago of a new child born into a wonderful young family. The “Smith” family already has a young son, “James”, age of three. Now, they have a daughter whose name is “Rochelle.” I wrote a letter to the newborn!
Dear Rochelle: Welcome! A sincere welcome into this wonderful world which is the work of our Creator, God! It is a beautiful world. One poet said, “The world is charged with the grandeur of God; it will flame out like shook-foil.” (Hopkins) Just think of it. If you shook aluminum foil in the bright sunlight it would glimmer and flash. Well, everything in the world has that quality – if we know how to look at it. Someone else said that “It’s as if everything has its back to us and its face to God.” In other words, if we look rightly at each of God’s creatures it will direct our attention to God, its Creator.
And, welcome into the human family. Sometimes we’re kind of rude and not always nice to each other. Still, we are “made in the image and likeness of God.” So, he loves each and every one of us. We should always strive as best we can to respect one another.
And, dear Rochelle, welcome into the Smith family. Your parents are wonderful people whom I’ve known for a long, long time. They love each other so much. And, they love you and your brother, James. I understand that James loves to give you kisses. That’s his way of showing how he loves his new younger sister. Even in those days to come when he teases you (just a bit) remember the kisses. They say more than the teasing what he thinks of you. Sadly, like me, you will never have a chance to know your grandfathers; but you have two outstanding and loving grandmothers. Treasure them!
And, dear child, I know that you will soon be baptized into the Catholic Community of Faith. In that baptism you will become a child of God. He has already given you your life; then he will give you a share in His life. May you always stay close to your Catholic Faith. It will enrich your life in ways that you cannot yet imagine.
So, Rochelle, the whole world rejoices in your birth. Live your life in such a way that we will always be grateful to God for your presence among us. The Lord be with you, Father Robert J. Cook, Pastor.