Things were a bit different at our men’s faith-sharing group this week: Ron Peters was with us only in spirit.
It’s a bit of an understatement to note that Ron had been a cornerstone for our weekly gatherings. He was one of the group’s co-founders in 2005, and in the 16 years since, Ron chalked up a “very-nearly-perfect” attendance record. He’d be there…every early Saturday morning, rain or shine, snow or sleet. And not only “there”, but fully “present” – charming and challenging us with his deep knowledge of scripture and his energizing love of the Lord.
Ron, on the ACTS Retreat in 2002.
Alas, a few days ago, we said our final farewell to Ron – who succumbed to cancer on February 7 at the age of 82.
Dear, dear Ron: loving husband, father of six adopted children, and foster parent through the years (with his wife, Marie) to more than 200 of our community’s most vulnerable children. All of that is true, and breath-taking in its grace. Few in my acquaintance have been more steadfast practitioners of Christian charity than Ron and Marie.
But it’s not the loving acts of everyday kindness I will remember most about Ron. Rather, it’s his joyful witness.
I first met my fellow parishioner on an ACTS retreat, way back in 2002. In subsequent years we served on a few ACTS teams together, and then in 2005 Ron (and his collaborator Paul Kraus) launched the Saturday morning men’s group. Their promise: “We’ll keep coming as long as guys keep showing up.”
The premise is simple: We read the Sunday scriptures aloud, and then break into groups of 6 or 8 men to discuss. But what we’ve discovered is that this unassuming format regularly unlocks a treasure trove of grace and insight.
Ordinary guys, living in Ordinary Time…super-charged by their first ACTS Retreat in 2002.
A few of the guys – like Ron – really know their scripture. Others of us spend a lot of time fumbling around in the dark. But as we speak to each other about the readings, speak what’s on our hearts, we experience a Gospel that still has the power to come alive…a Gospel that can pierce our self-centeredness…a Gospel that can open our eyes to unexpected aspects of the kingdom.
It happened again this Saturday, I noticed – even though Ron was with us only in spirit. And I think it’s fitting that we encountered this phenomenon on the cusp of Lent, while we’re still in Ordinary Time.
Ron was very much an “Ordinary Time” kind of witness. He didn’t wait for special occasions or holy seasons. Rather, he lived his faith joyfully, every day of the year. For that reason, I have every confidence that Ron has now taken up a seat at the heavenly banquet…
…or perhaps, he’s made his way into a small group…to chew the fat with a few of his favorite saints. In fact, I can well imagine the scene: Ron, sitting with Saint Paul, discussing the wisdom and truth and call-to-action in this week’s second reading:
Whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God.
Avoid giving offense, whether to the Jews or Greeks or the church of God, just as I try to please everyone in every way, not seeking my own benefit but that of the many, that they may be saved.
Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.
Godspeed, Ron. And thanks, always, for the way you imitated Christ with your life!
Godspeed, my mentor and friend!
Let us pause now…to recall that we are in the presence of the Holy & Merciful One.
IHS
With Us Still 
What a story…and to see men so active in their faith is very appealing. Have to say it made me cry, even.
Bless his heart. In the communion of saints is right !
Indeed, Mary: A holy man, a saint among us!
So well said John, thank you. I’d love to sit with you and walk thru that pic, a lot of faces I think I know; I did notice an absence of Bill Grant, did I miss him?
Joe Vilmain
Developer-Activator-Belief-Responsibility-Arranger
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You’re right, Joe: I don’t see Bill in the mix. Perhaps he was taking the photo (ever the servant!)
Ron was such a inspiration to many of us, a true model for all.
Amen!
Thanks for your tribute to Ron Peters. I was missing him again early this morning, but found the time to arrive early and learn more, and stay after to see his joy imparted on his sons Ken and Tom. Paul Kraus was such a good friend of Ron’s and will carry us forward while we all try and fill a tiny portion of Ron’s big shoes…letting the Holy Spirit guide us.
All very true, Ben. And I can almost hear Ron reminding us: “This is precisely how the Body of Christ works…many gifts, but the same Spirit…”
Well said, John! I missed Ron’s presence very much this morning and will probably do so for some time to come. But I know that God will provide and get us through this time of loss. After all, it’s His (Jesus’) presence that we all so wonderfully experience every Saturday morning and He is still there!
ps: Bill Grant is in the picture. He is just below where Jesus’ left hand would be on the cross, but his face is shadowed.
Thanks, Paul…
And thanks to you, for your “very-nearly-perfect” attendance on Saturday mornings, too. You and Ron are a blessing to the rest of us…more than you can ever know.
Ron was a wonderful brother in Christ. Thanks for sharing this tribute.
So sorry to hear about Ron’s passing. Ron and Marie are both a great example and model for us. He will be greatly missed. RIP Ron. Thank you for the beautiful tribute John
You’re welcome, Daisy. And you’re correct: Ron and Marie are a deep, deep blessing to all who know them!