Most Reverend Jerome E. Listecki
Archbishop of Milwaukee
 

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

As I age, I’ve found that my physical vision becomes less clear while my spiritual vision becomes more focused. My physical vision now needs the assistance of “cheaters” to get through a book. Although it is still better than most, it’s not as sharp as it has been in years passed. Yet my spiritual sight continues to sharpen.

It is true also for my hearing. I now need hearing aids to get through a meeting; if there are individuals with low registered voices at the end of the room, it’s near impossible for me to hear the message without the aids. At the same time, I hear God speaking loudly and clear, sending His message every day and in every way. I sometimes think that He is shouting at me – especially when I hear of society’s directions, which are contrary to Church teachings.

My sense of smell has always been limited (even more so with the passing of years) but spiritually, I sense the aroma of sanctity when encountering individuals who have sacrificed much for Christ and His Church. They say that saints produce an aroma of flowers, and I have encountered that floral aroma in the examples of many of our dedicated Catholics who so love the Lord – the sweet smell of spiritual success. 

I have always been known as a “space invader,” one of those individuals who has a hand on someone’s shoulder or touches the arm when speaking to them. I must remind myself to be aware that some people are uncomfortable with that type of familiarity, and I must understand how to give them their space. I feel God’s touch in my life as I grow older and relish in the sense that I am with family when speaking to the Catholic faithful. God has “invaded” my space, although He owned the territory long before I moved in, and God continues to touch me in so many ways.

I always thought that my taste was a constant. I love large quantities of ice cream, custard and sweets, always falling short of gluttony. Yet now as I have grown older, I find that I don’t need large amounts. I appreciate others enjoying their tasty treats, especially children. Perhaps my taste is now more refined as I begin to broaden my appreciation for the unexplored tastes and will experiment with new foods. However, my spiritual taste for the bread of life, the Eucharist, has only become more essential and a life-sustaining element of my everyday existence.   

Perhaps it is a part of aging that as our senses – sight, hearing, smell, touch and taste – become less acute, our spiritual senses become more refined; it is all part of growth. It is our spiritual senses that prepare us for a life yet to come. To be in communion with God means every aspect of our lives will reflect God’s presence. We all seek the “beatific vision” that is “to clearly behold God one and triune, as He is.”

Let us use our physical senses then to be a pathway to acknowledge and celebrate God’s Love. As our patron St. John the Evangelist tells us, “God is love, and whoever remains in love remains in God and God in him.” (1 John 4:16)

May that love of God fill our physical senses and draw us closer to Him as we LOVE ONE ANOTHER.

Sincerely,

Most Reverend Jerome E. Listecki

Archbishop of Milwaukee          

Note: This blog originally appeared as the February 27, 2024, "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.