Fairhill…it sounds so lovely; like a scenic overlook. I don’t know the origin of Fairhill. Perhaps it was someone’s last name. There was definitely no scenic overlook, although there was most certainly a beauty and calm. I wish that I could go back. Fairhill was the name of the little street upon which sat our little house when I was a little kid. The street did incline just a bit, but it was certainly no hill. It was there that I learned to ride a bike, played baseball, football, and all sorts of games with the other neighborhood kids. Long summer nights of Ghost-in-the-Graveyard or Kick, Kick, the Can were great fun. It was there that I skinned my knees at times and went crying to my mother. It was there that I smelled the honeysuckles as I played Godzilla among the little Japanese that curiously looked like ants. It was there that I kissed a girl, fought with a friend, got into a little trouble, but far more good while simply learning about life. They were good times and simple times. Again, I wish that I could go back. Fairhill was my street and my youth. We all have a Fairhill. What’s yours? And what if we really could go back? I find that with Our Lord, we really can. When we take time with Him and are One with Him, we do go back all the while remaining firmly planted in the present. The Lord of All Time brings comfort and consolation and takes us, at times, to the simplicity of your Fairhill and mine. In the TV series, The Chosen, there is an episode in which Jesus visits with His aging ema, Mary. Mom right away tells Jesus that His hair leaves something to be desired. It needs a washing. Oh, Mommmm! The next scene shows Mary washing her Son’s hair just like she did when He was but a boy. This has Jesus wishing for a simpler time and desiring to go back…back to His Fairhill. Jesus, on His part, will in fact “go back,” but not until after some Resurrection preceded by a bit of suffering. Then He will definitively return to His Fairhill. Ask the Risen and All-Powerful Lord to now take you back. For Him for Whom stormy seas and locked doors mean nothing, it is not impossible. Today, the Risen Jesus will take you back if you but ask. Then, He will walk with you and play with you on that peaceful, calm little street that is your own Fairhill. Have fun, smell the honeysuckles, and enjoy the view! Just watch out for Godzilla!
Peace!
Fr. Wilson