He Had A Way of Drawing People into His World

Did it all begin for Walt Romanik in a garden, on a tree farm, at the lake fishing, or in the woods hunting?

As in Walt's trek through time here in Cheboygan, for each of us, life begins in a garden, in a womb, in the Garden of Paradise where we return. The first book of the Scriptures notes:

"Then the Lord God planted a garden in Eden, in the east, and God placed there the man whom God formed." (Gen. 2:8)

In our movements and moments of desolation and consolation, like a roller-coaster-like ride through life's brief sojourn on earth, John's Gospel tells of Jesus exiting the upper room to commence his passion and death:

"When Jesus had said this, he went out with his disciples across the Kidron Valley to where there was a garden, into which he and his disciples entered." (Jn 18:1)

Jesus had a presence and power that is a present to this day.

Walt Romanik, a pilgrim among the People of God in the diocese of Gaylord, Michigan
had a powerful presence "that had a way of drawing people into his world," Walt's daughter,
Marcia said. He is a present "who touched a lot of people's lives," Marcia noted.

"Now in the place where he had been crucified there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb, in which no one had yet been buried. So they placed Jesus there." (Jn 19:41-42)

Walt "never strayed from his beliefs or traditions," a family member admits, "and it's your world Grandpa; we're just living in it," a youngster told Walt last week before his final breath.

A citizen of heaven. A present. And, a powerful presence. "Walt will be missed for the rest of
their lives," William Rabior said Tuesday. He will.

His citizenship is in heaven, "and from it we also await a savior, the Lord Jesus Christ," St. Paul writes this "not to shame you but to admonish and warn you as my beloved children."

A powerful present and presence. Like Jesus' own powerful presence. A present here at this table of the Word and altar of the lamb of God.

Not only that -- the tomb is empty. Amazing grace abounds, how great thou art!

Mary Magdalene, Peter and the beloved disciple don't know what to make of this. They experience finally the Risen Lord, "for see,the winter is past, the rains are over and gone. The flowers appear, th etime of pruning the vines has come, and the song of the dove is heard in our land. And, the fig tree puts forth its figs, and the vines, in bloom, give forth fragrance. Arise, my beloved, my beautiful one, and come!"

Jesus, a powerful presence, present. Walt, similarly engaging, influential, even speaking truth to power in his presence.

"Receive who you are, the body of Christ. Make of your hands a throne and receive who you are," St. Augustine notes.

A powerful present, presence. A gift. To be, or not to be, in or out of that tomb. That is the question. It all begins and ends in a garden.

Fresh air and a fresh fragrance. A new wind and aroma calls you and me.
Walt leaves fresh air to feel, even follow, and be set free. A present. Presence.

The Bible's last words in Revelation say it:

"Then the angel showed me the river of life-giving water, sparkling like crystal, flowing from the throne of God. One either side of the river grew the tree of life that produces fruit 12 times a year. Night will be no more, nor will they need light from lamp or sun, for the Lord God shall give them light, and they shall reign forever and ever. Amen. Come, Lord Jesus."

+ Our help is in the name of the Lord. Who made heaven and earth!

- Lawrence M. Ventline, D.Min.
7/7/2011
Sacred Heart Church, Riggsville, MI.





When will we ever learn? When?