One of my brother deacons, a classmate ordained with me last May, is seriously ill. Jim was taken to the ER earlier this week, and I finally was able to visit him in the ICU tonight. He’s hooked up to a variety of machines, but for a few moments he was awake, and his eyes flickered with recognition.

Jim’s favorite place on earth is Walt Disney World — and I have a happy memory of our families watching fireworks together there a couple years back. Of all the Disney characters, he has special affection for Jiminy Cricket; the license plates on his car even read “Jiminy C.” JC, of course, is famous for advising Pinnochio: “Always let your conscience be your guide.” But he also sang:

Like a bolt out of the blue
Fate steps in and sees you through
When you wish upon a star
Your dreams come true

The clip below is for my classmate and friend Jim: a humble blog-prayer, offered with hope and with love and with trust in the infinite mercy of God.

You are in many, many prayers, brother.