There is something very human – and very striking – about today’s Gospel – the story of the road to Emmaus. Two disciples are walking away from Jerusalem. Away from hope. Away from everything they thought would be. They are discouraged, confused, even a little disillusioned. And as they walk, they talk it all out – what happened, what went wrong, what they don’t understand.
And then, quietly, Jesus comes and walks with them…but they don’t recognize Him. Isn’t that often how God works in our lives? He walks with us in moments of transition, in times of uncertainty, in seasons when things are changing – and we do not always recognize Him right away.
I find myself very much in that place today. In 2010, at the age of 59, I was named pastor here. I remember that moment clearly – full of energy, hope, even a little nervousness about what lay ahead. And now, here we are. As you know, I just celebrated my 75th birthday.
In the Diocese of Ogdensburg, the retirement age for priests is 70. So, as you can see, I have stayed a little longer than expected. But now, the time has come. And like those disciples on the road, I find myself reflecting on the journey – on where we have been, what we have experienced together and where God may be leading next.
The beautiful thing about this moment is this: the parish and school are flourishing. This is not a story of decline. It is not a moment of crisis. It is a moment of grace. There is something very powerful happening here – what we have been calling Divine Renovation. A renewal of faith, of mission, of energy. And the truth is, a younger and more energetic pastor will be able to build on that in ways that are needed for the future. That is not loss – that is good stewardship. Change allows for new growth.
In late June, I will be named “Pastor Emeritus.” It is a fancy Latin word that means you “have served your time.” I am not going away; I will be living in the rectory. And I have told the bishop that I will help out whenever possible. I will still be part of the family – just in a different way. And a new pastor will be named, someone who will walk with you in the next chapter of this journey.
Back on the road to Emmaus, everything changes when they get to the table. In the breaking of the bread, their eyes are opened – and suddenly they recognize Jesus. And then he vanishes. Why? Because now they know. He was with them all along.
That is my prayer for all of us in this moment. That we recognize that Christ has been with us all along – in every Mass, every classroom, every baptism, every wedding, every funeral, every quiet act of kindness, every moment of growth. And that same Christ will continue to walk with this parish into the future. Not because of any one pastor – but because Jesus is faithful.
The disciples once they recognize Jesus, don’t stay where they are. They get up and go back to Jerusalem. They go forward with new energy, new purpose, new faith. And so will you. And so will I. Different roles. Same mission.
So today is not really an ending. It is a moment on the road. And if the Gospel teaches us anything it is this: Even when we do not fully understand the road ahead – even when things are changing – even when we are not quite sure what comes next. Christ is walking with us. And that is more than enough! Amen.