While speaking with parishioners, I find myself very often referring to my past. I did that alot today, and it made me think that someone 100 years from now may read this blog and wonder who this crazy priest was. So, here’s some bio stuff: I was born in Scranton, PA. I’ve lived in Baden, PA; Crossingville, PA; North Hollywood, CA; St. Louis, MO; Lawrence, KS; Crestwood, NY; Huntington, NY; New Salem, PA; Lakewood, OH and Gardner, KS. It’s amazing how each of these locations, and the people from them, have helped me  in pastoring to each of my flocks.

On Sunday afternoon I drove from Kansas City to Wichita for a funeral—a trip that I have made on numerous occassions. Call me crazy, but I could make that trip every day! Interstate 35 takes you right through the Flint Hills (no, Kansas is NOT flat!) and there are miles of the drive where you see nothing but the landscape, a handful of trees, and some cattle. Oh, and LOTS and LOTS of sky! I had a nice chat with God and He assured me that this is one of his favorite spots as well. The only thing better than the drive on Sunday afternoon was the return trip on Monday afternoon and another nice chat with the One Who created those amazing Flint Hills. (I know what you’re thinking—“Fr. Tim must be on the payroll for the Kansas Tourism Bureau!) Heck, I’d gladly work for them, but they wouldn’t have to pay me anything—just let me, every so often, drive through the Land of Ahs.

Our Kansas City Star newspaper ran a front-page article on the DaVinci Code yesterday and in it was a quote from a local Protestant minister: “I don’t have any sympathy for people who say this is just fiction and innocency, because the fact is it has an impact on people.” Well, I guess I won’t be receiving any sympathy from him anytime soon. The movie opened last night, and guess what? Life hasn’t changed all that much!

Today marks the half-way point of the Fast. Remember to move your clocks ahead an hour on Saturday!

Note: I’ve created a new category of thoughts: "Chronology." This will allow me from time to time to put in a newsworthy note or the like.

Today marks a full liturgical year in my new parish. My first Divine Liturgy here was on the Sunday of the Cross in 2005 (the third Sunday of the Great Fast). Glory to God!