The Bishop Writes

(From the Feb. 25, 1999 edition of the Inland Register)

Much has been written in recent months about the Y2K — the Year 2000 — computer problem. Many computers only utilize the last two digits of the year — 1999 is written as only 99. Some articles suggest that the computers will read the 00 of the year 2000 as the year 1900 instead. Some reporting and speculation has been balanced; other literature has taken up a frantic and scary tone, whipping up fear and hysteria that something terrible will happen in the first minutes of the year 2000.

Some even feel that the structure of society will collapse, and we will be faced with anarchy and chaos. Already we see people stockpiling food, batteries, and whatever else might be needed in face of such a calamitous collapse.

On the other hand, there have been more balanced approaches, like the article in Smithsonian magazine which takes a common-sense approach to this change, and believes that if there are glitches people will rise to the occasion. Another article, in a recent issue of the New York Times, indicated that there may be more damage done by hysterical reactions than on the actual day itself.

For us in the Catholic community of faith, we are approaching the year 2000 as the Jubilee Year of celebrating this special anniversary of Jesus’ birth. We are now involving ourselves in the last year of preparation, with our focus on the Father and reconciliation. In 1997 we emphasized the Son of God and, in 1998, the Holy Spirit.

Pope John Paul II has encouraged this trinitarian approach in his apostolic exhortation “The Coming Third Millennium.” This format has given us a rich opportunity for spiritual renewal and appreciation of God’s presence in our lives.

As we approach the Jubilee Year, we can appreciate our many blessings and gifts of the past, but also we can look to the future with a renewed sense of vigor and enthusiasm as we begin another new millennium of living our faith.

We have truly been blessed as we look to the past. We live in a country that, though not without its challenges and problems, has provided opportunity for so many. The diversity of people with their many different ethnic backgrounds and traditions, the beautiful land on which we live with its tremendous variation of deserts, river valleys, rich farm land, mountain ranges and mountain peaks are wonderful gifts.

It is also important that we look to the spiritual heritage that is ours in the Church. The mothers, fathers, singles, migrants, Brothers, Sisters, deacons, and priests have provided a rich tradition upon which we build this moment as we look to 2000 and beyond. We are on the eve of the great jubilee as we express our thanks to God for these blessings. We also look to the future.

The invitation of Jesus to live the Gospel, to love God, self, and neighbor, continues with an even greater urgency as an appeal for our faith-filled response. The Holy Father speaks of the need for a new evangelization so urgently needed as we approach the next millennium. We find ourselves in an unusual moment of human history, a crossroads time of new directions and new opportunities. In human terms never has the Church and the world community been in touch with one another in such a remarkable way. Such easy contact and mobility provide great opportunities for communication, relationship, and sharing. But on the other hand, never has there been a greater opportunity for abuse — by hoarding, manipulating consumer behavior, and promoting ideologies which are contrary to the Gospel and the rich tradition of the Church. We need to look internally within the Church to call ourselves to a genuine love and respect for one another as we strive to be a vibrant community filled with the presence of Jesus animated by the Holy Spirit.

We have begun the last season of Lent in the present millennium. These weeks before Easter provide a special opportunity for us to review our lives and continue our conversion journey. Lent is a wonderful time to create a vision. Not only do we look forward to the feast of Resurrection, the greatest feast day of our liturgical year, but also we can look forward to what the new millennium could be like. How can we together be the best we can be with God's help and support one another in faith community? What stone not picked up or leaf not turned over is a missed opportunity? How well have we examined the insight that the holiness of our lives is worked out in the common, ordinary circumstances and pressures of everyday living?

The new millennium is coming! We have nothing to fear or to get in a frenzy about. On the contrary: we have every reason to hope and be grateful to God. The Providence of God unfolds before us as we begin this new moment in history.

May you and I embark with hopeful expectation, striving to be faithful disciples of Jesus and faithful members of our Church.

Much joy and peace!

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