Letter to Editor

Dear Friends

The picture above is the headline from the on-line version of my latest letter published by LA Times this morning. Below is the content of the letter from the print edition.

John

Pilot's words are worth repeating

Re: "Artemis II crew ends its historic lunar voyage", April 11th

In 1962, President John F. Kennedy said, "We choose to go to the moon in this decade and do the other things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard". In the successful Artemis II mission, we have witnessed the hard work, using America's passion and skills to begin our return to the moon in this decade.

Is it asking too much to also put our passion and skills into the hard work of pursuing peace?

One prominent person in the news currently, is fueled by an insatiable thirst for revenge and retribution against individuals and nations. His words are not worth repeating. 

Another prominent person had something to say that is worth repeating: "I think as we go into Easter Sunday thinking about all the cultures all around the world---whether you celebrate it or not, whether you believe in God or not---this is an opportunity for us to remember where we are, who we are, and that we are the same thing. And that we got to get through this together."

Thank you, Artemis pilot Victor Glover, for those words, and thanks to many others pleading for peace and unity, including Pope Leo XIV. Let us hope and pray those doing the hard work of peacemaking are listening. 

John Saville

Corona, CA.

Encouraging Words

 

Dear Friends

For many years, I joined members of St. John’s in Corona’s community 5k race called “Run for the Crown”. 

Today, instead of running for the crown, I walked for the medal (above) in the inaugural “Corona 5000 Road Race" (same distance as a 5k).

I had mixed emotions at the starting line. I was thankful I was healthy enough to participate and complete the course, but sad that I was not (by choice) going to be running it. And then the official announcer and starter, among other encouraging words for the hundreds who had gathered said, “BE AT PEACE WITH YOUR PACE”.  Those words were so helpful to me at that moment! They will stay with me for a long time, and I will try to apply them to other parts of my life.

And then came the singing of the national anthem. Given the current conflict, I inwardly bristled when the line about “bombs bursting in air” was sung, saddened that we are still wondering, as the old song put it, “when will it ever end?” I think singing "Let There be Peace on Earth" would have been better, but no one asked me to pick the hymns!

Some scriptures come to mind about peace including Romans 12:18---“If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.”  This verse is surrounded by others, including not repaying evil for evil.

Finally, on a brighter note, just a half mile from the finish, two little girls (who reminded me of my two grand-girls) were seated on the curb with signs that said, “You got this”. Along with the words about being at peace with your pace, they were encouraging words that will also stay with me for a long time.

John

P.S Speaking of walking, last Tuesday, our new archbishop of Canterbury, Sarah Mullally, began an 87 mile walk from St. Paul’s Cathedral in London, to Canterbury Cathedral in Canterbury where she will be officially installed this Wednesday. She took the “Becket Camino” route, with family members and others. She is using a "cane"; I didn’t. She gets a fancy new hat; I got a medal. 😊

                                                 

 

Sick Slogan

Dear Friends

I can’t help thinking about how I would have used the two illustrations above if I had been preaching somewhere last Sunday. While the Department of Homeland Security is describing the ICE operation in Maine as “Catch of the Day”, Jesus said in yesterday’s gospel to Peter and Andrew, “Follow me and I will make you fish for people”. 

Describing immigration enforcement in Maine as “Catch of the Day” is neither cute nor clever. It is demeaning and disgusting. Even the “worst of the worst” (a phrase I also detest) are human beings. And as we know, Trump’s wide net has been catching many who are the furthest from this description.

The use of this phrase is just another example of where this administration’s mean mind and heart is, and it flies in the face of everything we proclaim in our baptismal covenant.

Were Christians who are all in for Trump and were aware of the Maine slogan, feeling any discomfort if they were sitting in church and hearing Sunday's gospel call?

John

 

 

Disgusting Slogan

 

Dear Friends

I can’t help thinking about how I would have used the two illustrations above if I had been preaching somewhere yesterday. While the Department of Homeland Security is describing the ICE operation in Maine as “Catch of the Day”, Jesus said in yesterday’s gospel to Peter and Andrew, “Follow me and I will make you fish for people”. 

Describing immigration enforcement in Maine as “Catch of the Day” is neither cute nor clever. It is demeaning and disgusting. Even the “worst of the worst” (a phrase I also detest) are human beings. And as we know, Trump’s wide net has been catching many who are the furthest from this description.

The use of this phrase in this context is just another example of where this administration’s mean mind and heart is, and it flies in the face of everything we proclaim in our baptismal covenant.

Were Christians who are all in for Trump and aware of the Maine slogan, feeling any discomfort if they were sitting in church and hearing yesterday’s gospel?

John

 

 

 

Dear Friends

I can’t help thinking about how I would have used the two illustrations above if I had been preaching somewhere yesterday. While the Department of Homeland Security is describing the ICE operation in Maine as “Catch of the Day”,  Jesus said in yesterday’s gospel to Peter and Andrew, “Follow me and I will make you fish for people. 

Describing immigration enforcement in Maine as “Catch of the Day” is neither cute nor clever. It is demeaning and disgusting. Even the “worst of the worst” (a phrase I also detest) are human beings. And as we know, Trump’s wide net has been catching many who are the furthest from this description.

The use of this phrase is just another example of where this administration’s mean mind and heart is, and it flies in the face of everything we proclaim in our baptismal covenant.

Were Christians who are all in for Trump and aware of the Maine slogan, feeling any discomfort if they were sitting in church and hearing yesterday’s gospel?

John

 

 

 

 

Lord, have mercy

 

Lord, have mercy upon us.

Dear Friends

I’m at a loss for words. It’s not only because of what is and has been happening in Minneapolis, but what has been happening ever since the future Divider in Chief came down that escalator 10 years ago.

I do have one question for those who have voted for him three times and especially those in Congress who voted for him and have continued to enable him to remain in office by their votes not to impeach him (in the House) or convict him (in the Senate). I must add those on the Supreme Court who voted that he should be immune from any action he takes while in office.

Here is the question: IS THIS WHAT YOU VOTED FOR?

If it is, then it’s a shame on you. If it’s not (and I know Trump voters who didn’t vote for this) then speak up now and tell your representatives. Congress: There are three branches of government, but too many of you are acting like there is only one. And the executive branch is currently ruled by one person, surrounded by people who are afraid of him or are just as mean and corrupt as he is.

How sad that he has no one in his life that cares for him enough to challenge all the lies and hate he spews, all the division and chaos he creates.

Lord, have mercy on us.

John

P.S As I am publishing this on January 25^th, the Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul, it is worth adding this petition from the Great Litany. It is for all of us and I would like to say to our president, as he likes to say to us, “THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION TO THIS PRAYER!”

That it may please thee to give us true repentance; to forgive us all our sins, negligences, and ignorances; and to endue us with the grace of the Holy Spirit to amend our lives according to thy holy Word.

                               We beseech thee to hear us good Lord.

 

 

 

Three Sisters

 

Dear Friends

A few years ago during a road trip which included Oregon, Kathleen and I stopped in a town called Sisters. It was named after the nearby "Three Sisters" peaks.  Early settlers sometimes referred to the trio of volcanic peaks as “Faith, Hope, and Charity”.

Last Sunday, it was a joy to be with my three sisters at St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church in San Juan Capistrano---(from left to right in picture are Susan, Debbie and Mary Bek.) The occasion was the church’s 50^th anniversary. Susan continues as Director of Music. She also taught at St. Margaret’s school from its founding and directed an annual Christmas Lessons and Carols service involving children and youth of all ages.  For this anniversary, she and her friend Diane put together a wonderful concert before the service, in addition to the service hymns, anthems and solos. At 81 years old, she moved gracefully between the piano and organ, all the while keeping an eye on her friend who was directing the choir and a small ensemble of musicians. I was recruited to join the bass section.

Among the blessings I have as we approach Thanksgiving, is the joy of having three sisters in my life for so many years. I could write several paragraphs describing their special gifts, and, of course, special memories with each one of them. But it is enough to say for now, that each one of them has always shown me a deep faith, hope and charity, beyond measure, by their words and their deeds.

How could I be so lucky?!!

John 

Shoulder Surgery Alert

 Dear Friends

Pardon me if this is TMI, but next Tuesday, August 26^th, I am scheduled for arthroscopic shoulder surgery to repair a tear in my rotator cuff.

Not to be mistaken for “Tommy John” surgery, this will be “Fr. John” surgery (baseball fans will get this). According to my TV Prevagen ad pharmacist David, I will be under general amnesia during this telescopic surgery and then will be wearing a swing for six weeks before starting PE.  (Clearly, David has been forgetting to take his Prevagen!)

Among other reasons, I am motivated to do this for my grandchildren. I want to show them how to sing and do all the motions for “Head, Shoulders Knees and Toes”. I want to hold them and not worry about sharp pains while we are singing “The Wheels on the Bus” at the moment “The People on the Bus go Up and Down, all through the town.”

I am also hoping to qualify for the 2026 Senior Miniature Golf Olympics being held in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, (the Miniature Golf Club capital of the world), rather than just putt around the house. After surgery, my doctor said I should be head and shoulders above the competition.

John

P.S. While I will appreciate your prayers for a successful surgery and a full and speedy recovery, also pray for Kathleen. While she is already masterful at multi-tasking while caring for our beautiful 23 and 7 month old granddaughters, this will be a time for an extra measure of strength and patience, with her one-armed assistant as a temporary patient in the house.