After a year and a half battle with cancer, Fr. Joseph Linck passed into his rest at 9:30am on Friday, August 29. This was also the feast of the Martyrdom of St. John the Baptist. Without yet knowing that Fr. Joe had passed away, I had given a homily that same morning to the seminarians at St. John Fisher that is like what follows. I have since adapted it upon further reflection since hearing the news.
John the Baptist is known as “the voice” who prepared the way of the Lord. It caused me to reflect at how many saints and martyrs had such a ministry, and how many had followed these saints zealously. But, when they went home to the Lord, where did those disciples go? I thought about how few actually stepped up to continue the mission of the Gospel, following in the footsteps of the one who had so inspired them to follow Christ. Almost as if when their “Voice” had been silenced, there were so few among their followers who made the mission their own. If not you, then who? If not now, then when? On that same day, one of our beloved priests went home to the Lord, a good and faithful servant. He is one of three we have lost over this summer. As we now pray for the repose of the souls of Fr. Kevin Fitzpatrick, Fr. David Krahel and Fr. Joseph Linck, I continue to wonder the same thing over again. Now their “Voice” has been silenced, who will follow their example? Who will now take up the mission and make it their own? Who will trust in the power of the Lord in their lives and say yes, making themselves available for the work of the Gospel, that no one would be lost? Who will respond to the Lord’s request from Isaiah 6, “Whom shall I send?” If not you, then who? If not now, then when?
Fr. Joseph Linck, are a good and holy priest, forever. An example of humility, an inspiration of faith and hope, we pray you hear the Lord say to you, "Well done my good and faithful servant. Come share your master's joy." (Mt. 25:21) We love you and we will miss you, but we know when you are in heaven you will be a great and powerful advocate for us all. May you rest in peace.
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I studied under Fr. Linck in the diaconate program during his final year. I was also moved by his passing on the feast of the Martyrdom of St. John the Baptist. Fr. Linck never once complained or even talked about his illness. He taught with great fervor and passion right through the final class. He was always pointing us to Christ. It was as if he was consciously telling us,"He must increase; I must decrease." (John 3:30)
We were blessed to have his as our teacher. As a group of brothers in formation we prayed earnestly for him and we continue to pray for the repose of his soul. He indeed is a good and holy priest, forever.
AMEN!
He taught us all to give our lives totally, and especially in all of this to always allow our lives to point to Christ, even in the love of His suffering.
With promise of prayers!
Padre
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