July 5, 2014
by Br. Sam Gunn
With a warm smile, a gifted intellect and a very promising future, Br. Parker Jordan had it made in life. Instead, on July 5th, he made a gift of his life to Jesus Christ by professing the evangelical counsels of chastity, poverty and obedience in life-long private vows in the Brotherhood of Hope. In a packed Sacred Heart church in New Brunswick, New Jersey surrounded by brothers, family and friends he said his threefold 'yes' in vows of chastity, poverty and obedience. Br. Parker could have pursued the American dream of self-sufficiency. Instead he is pursuing Jesus, his All-Sufficiency
The Jordan family understands this sacrifice more than anyone else. As a beloved son and cherished brother from a close-knit Florida family, Br. Parker
leaves a big hole by his generous self-gift to Christ. It's a gift his family shares. At the reception after the mass, the day's most moving moment came when each member of the Jordan family stood and said "I do" to Parker's father, Thom Jordan's question: "Do you freely release Parker Jordan to enter into a life of chastity, poverty and obedience following Christ in the consecrated life...?" There were many tears as guests, especially family of other Brothers of Hope said their own silent "yes" to the question and renewed their own offering in letting go of a beloved son, nephew or brother for Christ and his Church.
There was a word that came up again and again - at a pre-vows encouragement party attended by some of the college students Br. Parker serves at Rutgers, at a private family reception the night before, or in conversations with the many guests. The word was "joy." Br. Parker is a man of radiant joy. Without hesitation or doubt he offered his life and the joy of his offering was felt by all who witnessed this stirring event. "Joy," Fr. Philip Merdinger preached at the vows, "is something the Lord himself does in us from within."
Urging the congregation to allow the Holy Spirit to work this joy in their own hearts, we offer you the same invitation: Say 'yes' to the joy of the Lord. It is a joy so powerful it leads a man who could have it all to give it all to Christ without fear. God First, God Alone!
