Above: Rev. Chuck Frederico, S.J., celebrating Mass at Xavier.

Spotlight on Vocations: Rev. Chuck Frederico, S.J.

This spring, the Xavier E-News will highlight vocations in a monthly series written by friends and members of our community. Appropriately, the series begins with a reflection from Rev. Chuck Frederico, S.J., Provincial Assistant for Vocation Ministry for the Maryland and USA Northeast Provinces—and a well-known figure within the Xavier community.


AMDG
January 28, 2016

This morning, as I began my day as I always do, by looking at the Pope App, I read the daily homily of the Holy Father, Pope Francis. I could not help but find his words inspirational and pertinent to me as a Christian, to me as a priest, and to me as the Vocation Director for the two Jesuit provinces on the East Coast. A trifecta—but not necessary to hear the winning message! His basic message was simply that a Christian should have a big heart that seeks out and welcomes all people. Pope Francis shared his message with a mixed congregation filled with priest concelebrants who this year celebrate 50 years of service to the Church. The Pope spoke of the magnanimous or big heart necessary for 50 years of commitment to serving to the people of God. The gospel of St. Mark spoke of putting a light on a lamp stand and not hiding it under a bushel basket so that it illuminates God’s love for all.

A Big Heart—This is the necessary ingredient of our Christian faith. And like the pope identified for these men celebrating their Golden Jubilee, a big heart is a necessary ingredient for a priest of yesterday, today, and tomorrow. A big heart must pastorally emit the Word and the Love of God in all actions. A big heart enters into situations of the world which often try to extinguish the fervor and the light. But like the light on the lamp stand that shines for all; a big heart is open, free, loving, giving, trusting, and always hopeful. A big heart must have hope; not because of anything in the world—but rather, because a big heart enters the world with light—the light of Christ that leads us to new places.

I think of the old coal miners in Lackawanna County who wore gas lamp helmets that produced a bright, broad light to enter the mine for their work. These helmet lamps had durability and a quality of illumination for the lead or "point" surveyor, who identified suitable points for excavation within the mine. The miner with the “point” light ran the risk of exposing the gaseous fumes within the mine, but also had the privilege of finding the precious coal.

My friends, like those “point” miners and like those priests celebrating 50 years, ALL of us sometimes must enter into those new places that can be scary. But we never have to doubt or fear the light. Yes, the light will take us into the darkness, but Christ is the Light ahead of us. With faith, hope, and a big heart, may we enter into the Light that Christ has already illumined.