We live in an age that tends to emphasize activity over contemplation. It’s not unique to our current age; history is riddled with times when regimes and societies have destroyed or ostracized individuals or groups who were labeled as freeloaders or “unproductive.” Contemplative nuns were literally dragged out of their convents and into forced labor in the aftermath of Henry VIII’s break from the Church, so all things considered, maybe things nowadays could be worse. But the fact remains that we often tend to appreciate things that people do for us more than we do their existence in and of itself.

I say that because I oftentimes see people value their priests for their active ministry rather than their relationship with God, their witness of holiness. We appreciate it when a priest is socially polished, a good preacher, good with kids, sings well, and is all things to all people. But a performer can do many of those things. One can be a gifted orator with the power to give soaring speeches in refined verse, but that, in and of itself, is not what spurs the hearts of man  to conversion. One cannot give what one does not have, and so the priest’s central task is to grow in holiness himself so that he can share that gift with his flock.

For the last six years, Fr. Lambert has shared himself generously with us, and he is more than the sum of his experiences and talents. He has brought a zeal for souls, a tireless work ethic, and a gift for inspiring positivity by his vocation. But more than all this, I have seen him, day in and day out, working to grow closer to God in prayer. Seeking to become a priest truly formed in the Sacred Heart of Jesus. A faithful son of Our Lady, Mother of priests. That kind of gift is not always noticed, and it might not crack the top ten of things we think of when we first think of Fr. Lambert, but I think it is the most  important. From the bottom of my heart, I want to thank Fr. Lambert for that commitment to sanctity, and for the way it has changed both me and the parishes.
 
I am deeply sorry that we cannot have a bigger and more grandiose celebration for Fr. Lambert’s departure at the end of this month at this time, but for the time being, please join us for a drive-through farewell at St. Matthias, on Sunday, June 21 starting at 5:00 pm.
 
Above all else, please keep Fr. Lambert and all priests in your prayers, that they may draw close to Our Lord in their ministry.
 
Prayers always,
Fr. McC