Most Reverend Jerome E. Listecki
Archbishop of Milwaukee
 

I always consider it a privilege to offer the final commendation at the funeral of one of our priests. Last Friday, I exercised that privilege at the funeral of Fr. Ed Kasten, who led a long and faithful life as a priest for almost 65 years, dying at the age of 94. At the end of the Mass and before the final commendation, Fr. Jim Lobacz, Vicar for Senior Priests, offered a statement recounting the priest’s assignments.
 
This is the contribution of his priesthood in serving the people of God. In Fr. Ed’s case, he served in the military during World War II, and entered the seminary after serving our country. Then, after serving shortly as a priest in a parish assignment, he discerned a special calling to teach. He spent the majority of his years teaching at the minor seminary, and then later at St. Joan Antida High School. What struck me was the constant discipline it must have taken to fulfill the tasks as both a teacher and a priest. Every day, he had to prepare class outlines, review materials, correct papers and counsel students who might be behind in their progress. He did this for decades.
 
In my reflection to the congregation, I celebrated the God of the “routine.” I told those in attendance how I found a kinship with Fr. Ed as both a person in the military and a teacher. It takes a depth of spiritual understanding to recognize God’s presence in the day-to-day grind for anyone who serves others with an expectation of offering guidance when called upon.
 
I was forced to think about the many individuals in my life and the lives of others who were there day-in and day-out, offering something to us – something to complete our education or assist in our development. There were those priests who celebrated daily Mass, sometimes as early as 6 a.m., giving a short homily as a spiritual kickstart for the day. There were those priests visiting invalids or shut-ins in their homes or hospitals on a weekly basis, bringing them communion and offering a prayer. There were those priests going into the classroom weekly to support the religious education of the students. And, there are those many parents who, without counting the cost, are there for their children – providing meals, putting them to bed, getting them up, taking them to Sunday worship and holding them accountable for their growth and maturity. This is the routine of their lives, and it is coated in love. Also, the teachers, coaches and dedicated community leaders, (scoutmasters, club officers, etc.), who are committed to fulfilling their responsibilities, and humbly serving others. They are proud to be vehicles for others to succeed.
 
I am sure you’ve heard it said about someone that you could set your watch by them or their actions. It’s a sign of faithfulness and dedication, not about their obsessive nature. So, allow me to praise those who live in life’s routine and help us find God in their commitment to others. God uses them as instruments of His presence. Some may never recognize and honor the God who supports them through the routine of others, who are there for their good. However, those who do live in the routine of life understand Matthew 24:45-46 “Who, then, is the faithful and prudent servant, whom the master has put in charge of his household to distribute to them their food at the proper time? Blessed is that servant whom his master on his arrival finds doing so.”          
 
As we live in the day-to-day routine of our lives, may it become second nature for us to LOVE ONE ANOTHER.

Note: This blog originally appeared as the January 15, 2019 "Love One Another" email sent to Catholics throughout the Archdiocese of Milwaukee by Archbishop Jerome E. Listecki. If you are interested in signing up for these email messages, please click here.