Saturday, December 13, 2008

I am not the One

...who won the Mega Millions' $200 million jackpot last night--even though, according to the Dayton Daily News, the sole, winning ticket was sold right here in Piqua.

It was, actually, chilling to read that; because I had meant to buy one, and in fact, around midnight I was at a local store, picking up some items, and I saw the sign and asked to buy a ticket, and the clerk said, oh, it's too late for tonight's drawing. It got me thinking about Divine Providence and free will. Suppose the Almighty said, "yes, I do will that you win this jackpot"--but it was up to me to buy the ticket? Failing that...someone else won.

My next thought was...I hope the winner knows about Piqua Catholic School and our Catholic parishes! Oh, the good they could do! Then I thought about how all those who win, end up having everyone trying to get their hands on the money..."and now I'm one of those people!"

Father Tom and I talked about it just now--about the perils involved. I wondered, what if I had the winning ticket in my hands, right this moment? I'd be scared to death. I've got a fire going in the fireplace--get that ticket far away from the fire! I'd call a local banker, and have him escort me to the bank vault. I'd be wondering about all the phone calls I would need to make next; I'd be a bit paralyzed, not wanting to make a wrong move I'd regret long after. My mind would be racing and giving thanks.

Then it occurred to me, maybe the person just stopped on I-75 to buy gas, on his way somewhere else? Wouldn't that be a kick in the pants?

4 comments:

Chris Osgood said...

So what would you do with the money if you won?

Fr Martin Fox said...

Chris:

As pastor of two parishes, I would:

> Provide for the needs of the poor in the community through existing institutions;

> Endow Piqua Catholic School with several million dollars;

> Replace Saint Mary's heat system and get started on restoring its stained-glass windows, and set aside money for an endowment;

> Make hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of repairs at St. Boniface in the church, school and rectory-office;

> Replace the carpeting there with a stone or tile floor;

> Repaint the interior, restoring the former glory of Saint Boniface Church;

> Purchase a true pipe organ for Saint Boniface;

> Likewise create an endowment for St. Boniface;

> Think about how money could be spent to promote economic development in Piqua.

> I'd keep a little for myself, so that I'd be able to travel and see the world on my vacations, and have something for retirement.

Anonymous said...

Your profile is interesting and unique Father Fox. I wanted to Google you when I came across your post on the DDN. I hope you and your church family are blessed this Christmas season.

Cheers.

Buckeye

Anonymous said...

It got me thinking about Divine Providence and free will. Suppose the Almighty said, "yes, I do will that you win this jackpot"--but it was up to me to buy the ticket? Failing that...someone else won.

Perhaps the Almighty said: "Fr. Fox has been a good and faithful servant. I would not wish to see him struck with the curse of Mammon. Have his guardian angel whisper in Fr. Fox's ear to bypass purchasing the lottery ticket tonight".