they are hokies and they will prevail.

it was just three years ago (it feels like just yesterday) that members of the Virginia Tech community endured one of the worst massacres in US history. thirty-two students and faculty members were murdered by a fellow student that morning. unfortunately, the devastating effects still ring like the explosions of a firearm in the minds and hearts of so many students and staff at Tech.

WE ARE HOKIES. WE WILL PREVAIL.

on wednesday, i was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to attend a conference for ohio campus ministers down in columbus, ohio where the keynote speaker was none other than fr. john grace (director of campus ministry & chaplain of the newman ctr. at Tech). his inspiring theme was "Voices of Hope," and he shared with us personal anecdotes and insights into the challenges of coping with crises on college campuses. his thoughts and reactions to the events that occurred on April 16th 2007 reminded me of my own personal experiences of the two JCU student suicides that took place on our campus just last semester. grace spoke about the significance of the campus & extended communities that were supportive and available during this difficult time. at one point, he told us that a group of Tech students who participated in an alternative spring break encountered compassion and other individuals who are exposed to violence, hatred and injustices not just once, but daily. this, along with so much more, not only gave Tech students, but us campus ministers a lot to reflect upon.

well, i could share a lot more with regards to grace's presentation/stories, i think i will save those for later. plus, you never know when you yourself may run into him or his students one day. all things considered, i hope you will take some time this day/weekend to spend a quiet moment in prayer and thanksgiving for the reality of the paschal mystery.

through the heart of a tiger

i'm sure you have your own thoughts and opinions about tiger woods the golfer and tiger woods the husband/ father. feel free to share. for me, woods' vocations finally coalesced at yesterday's press conference (four days before he returns to "compete" in the Masters tournament in Augusta). since November, tiger has been criticized for his off-the-course legal/drug issues as well as his infidelity towards his wife, children & family. as he has pointed out so clearly, he is terribly sorry for the horrible decisions that he has made and believes that he lost his way. i believe he words are genuine. you may not. however, that's not necessarily the point. the fact of the matter is that tiger is willing to admit his heinous mistakes and rediscover those virtuous attributes that have formed him, since his childhood. my prayers go out to him and his family, because i truly hope and believe that his past sins will be forgiven (not forgotten).

many golf fans and tiger supporters are still not convinced that tiger will be the golfer of past years. frankly, how can they? he's had knee surgery, been through intensive rehab and still grieving his irresponsible & seemingly unforgivable mistakes. at the conclusion of this weekend's Masters tournament, it is highly unlikely that woods will be wearing his 5th green jacket; however, is that what viewers will be tuned into? i don't think so. each camera will be watching every swing, hole & reaction of woods. many folks, including the media, are hoping that he makes the first cut! regardless of what happens at Augusta, i am pleased to know that one of the most popular and legendary athletes in sports is willing to admit his human weaknesses and show the true colors of his fur.