Good morning, Digital Neighbors! Happy Tuesday! After yesterday’s long post, I think something shorter, simpler, and more fun is in order. Another visit from The Little Book of Lost Words: Collywobbles, Snollygosters, and 86 Other Surprisingly Useful Terms Worth Resurrecting.

Quaintrelle Noun | kweyn-trell | Nineteenth century. English.

SOMEONE WHO LIVES A LIFE FULL OF PASSION, LEISURE, AND ENJOYMENT.

Well, I try to maintain two out of three of those qualities. Leisure is a bit elusive, but the other two are easy enough to embrace. I try to bring as much passion and enjoyment to my ministry as I can. I have often reflected on C. S. Lewis’s musing that the redeemed don’t act like they are redeemed. It doesn’t mean we are clowns or off-the-wall saps for God, but rather a natural joy that flows from gratitude because of what we believe about God’s goodness, truth, and beauty. I try to season my goings-about with a sense of appreciation, humor, and verbal playfulness most of the time.

One of my habits as a priest is to arrive about an hour before Mass to greet people. On good days I am usually outside—I have on my vestments and a woolen cloak if it’s cold. Other than rain, I’m usually greeting people outside. On Sundays I like to play music before Mass, and it is often a springboard for connection and comments when people hear me listening to songs or artists they enjoy. I cover a wide range of genres: rock, pop, country, jazz, big band, lounge, classical, and ethnic music.

It was a cold winter morning—the temperature was at zero or below—and I opted to stay indoors that Sunday. Walt was a Korean War veteran in his 80s and came to the early morning Mass every Sunday. We knew each other well enough to joke back and forth. Walt said, “Too cold for you, candy-ass?” I said, “Walt, that is Father Candy-ass to you.” He laughed so loud when I didn’t miss a beat. I thank my mother for that quick wit—Mom was one of the funniest women I have ever known. Walt never stopped smiling the whole Mass anytime we made eye contact. Laughter is the shortest distance between two people. After faith and prayer, joy and laughter are the greatest blessings in my life. Have a great day, my friends!

Kylmäluoma, Finlandia - Pietro Dona-Unsplash