Pensionable and Permanent

Recently I heard of a young carefree student in the 60’s who fearlessly said to his professor: “Sir, I will not have time to do that geography project during my summer holidays, as I have a job in my local hotel.”  Before the student had time to bask in his independence, the professor shot back: “Write and ask them if it’s permanent. 

It was the era when permanent and pensionable jobs were valued.  What a contrast with today when “cherry picking” is the preferred option and one can pick the job which ticks all the boxes!

Our church and religion in times past also bore something of the permanent and pensionable. You kept the rules and  built up your pension which became a lump sum of eternal reward in the next life.

Today, the Feast of the Ascension , we hear the final words of Jesus offering us a great sense of permanence  “And know that I am with you always; yes, to the end of time.”  (The pension is automatically included!)

Fr. Michael McCullagh, C.M

4th May 2008 Feast of the Ascension