There lived a man so long ago, his memory's but faint
Was not admired, did not inspire like president or saint
There is a picture in the parish hall I just love. It’s a panoramic picture - probably 3 feet long. The picture was taken shortly after they finished the current building in 1912. Almost 100 years ago. Those poor people probably had to stand forever back then - not many of them have smiles on. Some quite funny expression. Lots of funny hats. Sometimes, it’s fun to give the different people personalities, think about what their lives are like. Sadly, I haven’t been able to see too much more of stuff from back then beyond this picture (and a hilarious letter from the priest to a lady about her son who was walking around down town when he should have been in catechism class).
For some reason, I was reminded of this picture (and my various imaginings of the people) when I heard the beginning of this song. And I began to think about another 100 years from now. We’re hoping to build Twelve Apostles soon. I’m probably going to be in that picture. People 100 years from now looking at that picture, what are they going to think? What in my current records are going to survive that long? What’s my legacy going to be? I’d like to think they’ll still be talking about me, but you know, I highly doubt it. I’ll probably be long forgotten about. But I’m coming to the realization that that’s ok. The most I can hope for is to make a dent in the lives of the people I’m with now. And maybe by helping the faith of those now, down through the generations, it will affect the faith of those far in the future. And that’s what’s really important.
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