Sunday, October 2, 2016

Priest and Friend Father Vern Smith Retires as Balm of Gilead

I have been invited to share a few prepared thoughts with you today on this landmark occasion.  Last night as I was going over my remarks my mind took me another direction that I want to share with you.  Then, I will deliver my previously prepared remarks.

John was a young man.  His home wasn’t the most supportive, and he always longed for that role model of integrity and substance.  Father Vern became this example and John took note for many years.  

John grew and married a bright and faithful lady to proudly call his wife.  John, always striving to be a strong and unwavering husband and father, gained the knowledge and employment to enter social work in helping troubled teens.  He became a great influence not only to countless young men and women but also to his four children.

His children grew - each with their varying trials and tribulations.  They all, save one, went on to provide productive and God-fearing families.  The one lost sheep will be found and brought back.  Many of John’s troubled teens entered college, served humanitarian missions, found purpose in Jesus Christ and found joy in service.  

This cascading effect began with the grace of God and the ministry of one man.  John is someone I made up, but represents many real people - even sitting in this hall - who’ve benefited from the ministry of Father Vern Smith.  No, his ministry does not end, but rather takes on a different form.  However, his ministry as you’ve come to know it lives on in how you build your own foundation, raise your households and improve the world around you using the example he has proven.  

My remarks of my endearment of Father Vern as the man are these:

Anciently, Balm of Gilead was a major tool for not only healing and relief but also for trade.  This natural substance derived from the tree or shrub beyond the Jordan.  It is this Balm of Gilead that I wish to associate with a good friend of mine who retires from his service as Priest and shepherd of the local St. Mary's Catholic Church.  Father Vern and I have known each other for many years.  Joined in common hopes and goals we witnessed a true miracle.  Together, with our respective faiths, enjoyed an afternoon of dinner and song a decade ago.  This landmark event manifested a "Balm of Gilead" toward the healing of so many hearts and minds.  Truly, many had reservations of this event, but it served to advocate a positive change in all of us that allowed love and understanding to abide within.  A scriptural passage that encored this event is, "Verily, verily, I say unto you, where two or three are gathered together in my name, behold, there will I be in the midst of them - even so am I in the midst of you."  Yes, the Lord was present there that day.  On a personal level this event helped to solidify the friendship Father Vern Smith and I have, and to enable its continuation on into the eternities.

I'd like to share my thoughts of how this man has affected my own life.  Like so many mine is a restless spirit.  Like a sponge I receive any opportunity of extended gestures of genuine friendship.  Father Vern has a golden handshake that surpasses his official office.  Most will engage in a handshake and quickly pull away.  Unfortunately that's where we've come to as a people.  I've always looked forward to shaking Father Vern's hand.  His has genuine concern and love at it's foundation.  In a realm of mortals dwindling in unbelief, such a simple act of a true handshake literally becomes a Balm of Gilead.  It becomes that ointment, that substance from far beyond the eye can see to soothe and heal the heart at that time.

That is just me - one lowly bystander in a long line waiting for such a spiritual balm.  Countless lives Father Vern Smith has affected through this simple act.  Think of the widow who grieves for her husband and has her faith strengthened and sustained by the concern and empathy of the clasped hand.  Imagine the parents who've lost a child and just need someone there with arms embraced.  Let us not forget the young man or woman struggling with moral issues who found guidance and direction in the counsel of Father Vern's service.  The poor and homeless have found the Balm of Gilead in his outreach and attention.  Many people have benefited from the service of this man sent of God to shepherd the flock at the appropriate appointed time.

The parishioners of St. Mary's each have their own remembrances of Father Vern's service to the greater Shenandoah and Hamburg areas.  Each of these stories will undoubtedly go into his book of accountability.  From this one Mormon friend of his, I volunteer that his sincerity and concern was my Balm of Gilead on many occasions.  It is my belief, that when the day comes, the Lord will say, "Well done - thou good and faithful servant."