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  Dialogue - Guidelines

Keeping Our Relationship a Priority

Fr. Bob McDonald

My life began to change on my Weekend. Relationship has taken a priority in my life. I have come to understand more clearly that my Priesthood is about being aware of the Presence of God. And I seek God present in His People.

That awareness continues if I use the Five Tools given to us on the Weekend. All five tools are necessary if I want to keep that fire burning in me, that love for my spouse, the Church. I would like to emphasize the first of the five tools: Constant attention to our communication.

CONSTANT ATTENTION Daily dialogue is certainly an important part of my effort to keep my relationship with my spouse top priority. I do write a love letter every day. Without it, I would be lost. I would not be in touch with those feelings that tell me that I am slipping in my relationship with my people. And I would not be taking the opportunity each day to see what I can do to improve my relationship.

CONSTANT means that my spouse must be the center of all I do each day.

At Mass, in private prayer, in prayer with my Marist Community, I keep my people in mind. When I am struggling with health problems, I think of all those who suffer, and see in them, the Suffering Christ. When I find myself more confined by aging, I try to take on the burden of all those tied down by the problems of everyday life.

Even when I am doing a crossword puzzle or watching the Red Sox, my mind is never far from the presence of God. By keeping my mind on my spouse all day, by thinking of the mystery of the Presence of God in His People, I find great joy. Being a priest is not just a job or service to be done. Falling in love with you, and keeping that love alive, brings me closer to the Presence of God.

I love you,
Fr. Bob McDonald, S.M.

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