A Prayer Group Tale

Everything about the Prayer Group irritated the pastor, Father Diotrophes.  They were overly pious.  Because of their kindheartedness, he couldn’t be angry with them.  But he was.  Their leader wore a pectoral cross, bigger than the pope’s.  He was a little deaf, so when he was told something, he just gave you that subservient, obedient smile, nod, and move on.  You never knew if he understood what you said, or he understood, and decided to ignore you, or he forgot.

The others in the group, which was only about two or maybe three, were inconsequential.  It really was a lame little group.  They have the entire church to meet in and they met in the sacristy.  They’re in the way.  Father Diotrophes told the leader to move, but they still met in the sacristy.  And their junk was everywhere.  In the vestry drawers were bottles of holy water, prayer books, holy cards, a relic, rosaries, chaplets, etc.  Milk crates filled with their Bibles, Catechisms, music, Magnificats, etc. , were stacked in a corner.  The metal closet housed their statues, large crucifix, and candles.
They were less than a handful of people, and they took over the church!

It was a ridiculous situation. Father prayed over it.

Since asking them to move, didn’t work, he had to take matters directly in his hands.  They didn’t take hints, either.  Father was abrupt and sharp with them, but they obediently accepted whatever he threw at them.  Then they’d forget and go back to doing whatever they did.

What did they do?  Well, they prayed the rosary.  They were forever rattling their beads.  How could they stand it?  Sure the rosary was a catholic tradition.  But nowadays, people are more educated and need Lectio Divina, and scripture sharing, and book discussion groups.  Perhaps, he should try a different tactic and shepherd them more.

Yes, that’s what Father Diotrophes decided.  He’d help them.
 
And that’s how Father Diotrophes came to find himself praying the rosary, one night.  He was sitting in the middle of them.  At least, he got them to move out of the sacristy and into a back room!  (They’d probably forget and be back there, next week.)  They took forever praying the rosary.  They added what they called the Fatima prayer, and then they had a personal intention for each decade.  Whew!  They turned a ten minute prayer into a routine that was longer than his Mass!  And that’s not all.  They had what seemed like a hundred “add-ons!”   Once the rosary was completed, they added an Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be, for the intentions of the Holy Father.  Then they added three Hail Mary’s for an end to abortion.  Then they prayed a prayer to St. Michael, the Archangel.  Then a prayer for priests.  Then he forgot what else because he zoned out.

Good grief.  Lord have mercy.

Finally, it came to an end.  They were so happy and proud, and looked up to Father Diotrophes with such respect and reverence, that he felt his distemper melt away.  He explained to them that the rosary was good, but he wanted them to learn about their faith, and he introduced a form of prayer called Lectio Divina. This is a slow, contemplative praying of the Scripture.  Lectio Divina will give them rhythm. Within this rhythm, they will discover an increasing ability to offer more of themselves and their relationships to the Father, and to accept the embrace that God is continuously extending to them in the person of his son, Jesus Christ.

Father Diotrophes was very proud of himself.  They asked no questions.  He was encouraged and continued.  “Prayer is standing in the presence of God with the mind, that is, at that point of our being where there are no divisions or distinctions and where we become one with Him.  There God’s Spirit dwells and hearts speak to hearts, because we are standing before the face of the Lord, all-seeing, within us.”

The group was enthralled.  “Yes, Father.”  They said in chorus.

Father Diotrophes was satisfied.  He left them smiling and bowing.  Father was happy to have done some pastoral work, and felt pretty good about himself.

But, just as his hand was about to turn the knob on the door, the group came running to him, “Father, Father, we have forgotten the prayer you taught us.”  And as he turned around to face them, his mouth opened in astonishment.

The three of them seemed transfigured before him.  Their clothes were brilliantly white.  And their faces!  (Dear God!)  Their faces were radiant.  An aura surrounded them so incandescent, that he had to close his eyes and step back.
When he opened them, everything was back to ordinary.

Father Diotrophes, overwhelmed by what he saw said, “Just continue, praying the Rosary.  Our Lord loves to hear your prayers to His Mother.”