"Lord Graciously Hear Us"

One of the things that immediately impressed me about Jesus the Divine Word Parish is the strong faith of the people in this parish. I especially like the prayer used in the petitions of the Mass where the response is "Lord graciously hear us." I have never heard that response in any other parish. There is just something about this particular prayer that always gives you the feeling that these petitions will make it to the front of the line and be answered immediately. The parishioners practice this faith each and every day by looking out for one another. This is especially apparent in the daily gatherings after morning Mass where they all meet to catch up on the latest news. Normally a large part of the conversation revolves around making sure that any parishioner in the hospital is visited and the family is cared for. Often, they are tripping over each other to see who can get in the door first to bring Holy Communion to the patient.

In the event you have not heard, our former pastor Fr. Milt Jordan is in need of a few prayers himself right now. He had emergency by pass surgery yesterday morning. I understand from a family member that he sailed through it with his normal blue ribbon performance. He is expected to make a full recovery. He is resting UNcomfortably now (which is VERY normal as a result of the procedures used in this particular type of surgery - just check it out on the internet if you don't believe me!). Please note that the doctors have restricted his visitors to the immediate family only in order to facilitate his complete rest and recovery. This will also substantially reduce the risk from infection for him. Since we would like to keep him around for a while, please do not rush up there to be the first in line to see him. Tickets will go on sale as soon as he recovers!!!!!!!!!!!!

It sounds like he will be out of commission for at least 7 weeks or so. Can you even imagine this guy taking it easy for that long????? I am sure the hospital will release him as soon as possible - otherwise the staff will never get any work done as they will be gathered around his bed listening to his spellbinding sermons and laughing at his jokes.

Just think - can you even imagine how powerful his sermons will be when he gets back on his feet and has all of this personal experience to share with us????????? They were outstanding before, but I am sure there will be some real insight there in the days ahead. He is probably writing them in his sleep right now!!!! Since he founded our Sodality, maybe we can get on the list for a speaking engagement here before he goes on a worldwide tour to discuss his experiences.

Speaking of that, Fr. Jordan has always been one to take good care of himself. In fact, pictures taken of him this year show him looking even younger than he looked 10 years ago. We have all heard him talk about the importance of eating well. I know that he will certainly have something to say on this topic in the weeks ahead. I am sure that any discussion that any one of us has with him will include some insights to the yet to be published "Fr. Milt's Holy Healthy Heart Cookbook." I am also sure that Dr. Milt will be dispensing quite a bit of healthy living advice to all of us. If I know him, I suspect that he has already worked out a deal with his doctor that for every one one of us he catches not eating a healthy diet whom he refers over to the heart doctor, a large contribution will go into that collection basket!!!!!!!

There is that old saying that, "Laughter is the best medicine." If there is one thing we all know and love about Fr. Milt, it is that he loves to laugh, and he has a great sense of humor. So, in addition to all of the prayers and holy cards that y'all send his way, please send him something to keep him laughing so he will heal even more quickly.

Let's see if we can keep his secretary busy working overtime just to keep track of his correspondence from Divine Word. I am guessing that he will not need any more statues here (but I could be wrong.) I am ordering three (3) nine foot statues to be delivered to him - one of Mary, one of St. Joseph, and one of St. Expedite. I have arranged for the construction crews to deliver and install them in his room before he returns home. I will also see if the pink flamingo choir has an opening in their schedule to welcome him home.

Father Jordan's mailing address is Our Lady of Victory Parish, 4835 MacArthur Boulevard, Washington, DC 20007. I would suggest sending a message to him via snail mail rather than by e-mail. Given the large amount of e-mail he receives on a daily basis anyway, he will probably never catch up at this point, especially with get well wishes coming from all over the world. And think about this - since he is under the weather and has no access to a computer, who is reading those e-mails???????????

I know this has been very serious news here, but for a laugh, check out his most recent blog post at http://www.dcolvhappenings.blogspot.com/ As you read this post, just picture a little cartoon character of Fr. Milty chasing the marathoners with his collection basket. Is that him or what??????? While you are at it, check out some of his other postings there. It contains many of his daily and Sunday sermons.

For a more complete tribute to Fr. Milt, check out the blog posts written by his good friend Rocco Palmo on his distinguished Catholic blog "Whispers in the Loggia" read world over by Cardinals and commoners alike which can be found at http://www.whispersintheloggia.blogspot.com/ Rocco did a wonderful job here. There are two posts on October 30, 2007, plus a link to another one. Enjoy.

From Lill Caplins' daily Mass petition, "Dear Lord, please watch over Fr. Jordan and keep him in the palm of your hand. Please give him a painless (as possible) and quick recovery. May he continue to retain his jovial and lovable nature and his positive attitude, so that he can continue to teach us how to follow in Jesus' footsteps."

Lord graciously hear us!!!!!!!!!!




Posted by Sue Ballmann with a SUBSTANTIAL collaboration from Lill Caplins