VIRIDITAS: SOUL GREENING
Interviewed by Sister Malia Dominica Wong, OP
Hawaii Catholic Herald
I am a second career vocation. The phrase in the Gospel says it all. When Jesus tells Peter, “When you were young you could do whatever you wanted, but there will come a time when your hands will be tied. Tied, and you will have to follow.”
I always remember that. Because I was a person who could handle anything. And I was proud of that. I could take on anything; I could do it. And I did it, and I succeeded. But then there also came a time when I couldn’t. And I went into a depression. What is this all about? To lose your ability to succeed and to achieve? It was a blow to me. And in the depths of my depression, I found God. He lifted me up. That was before I became a priest.
I was away from the church for over 20 years, because I could do everything and did not need God. But when I was at a loss, God found me. It profoundly changed my life. I decided to give my life over to the Lord. I asked the Lord if he was asking me to become a priest. He said, “I am not asking you, I am telling you.” I said, “I am 36 years old. I lived a bad life.” But I felt called to the priesthood and they accepted me.”
Then I felt, as a pastor, I was the one who could change parishes around. I was a go-getter. But then my health began failing more and more and more. Each time, I said, “Father, I place my life in your hands. You have always been good to me. I trust in you. It doesn’t seem too joyful now, but I know you will always lead me in the right direction, and always have.”
The people I was working with in the parish, they loved me. And, I felt loved and uplifted as I never felt before. It was hard to find I could no longer be a pastor anymore, as I couldn’t handle the day-to-day burden. Then I became a parochial vicar. That was different. Finally, I wasn’t even able to be a parochial vicar. I had to retire from that. It was a big adjustment. My prayer was, “Father, I place my life in your hands.” The prayer of Jesus. It became a source of serenity and peace. All is good, because God is here. And I am in God and God is with me. And I am at peace. I live life day-to-day as a precious gift, and I thank God for everything I have.
When I was at my neediest point, I felt like I was in a pit and I felt a rushing of wind that lifted me up, that embraced me and said, “It is all right, it is all right, it is all right.” And I rediscovered God in a most powerful way. That always stays with me.
What keeps me going? I want to tell the story. God is not just Father, he is Abba. He is Papa. He loves you, he dotes on you. When we have youth retreats and we come to confession, a lot of teenage boys come to me. I tell them to ask God, “God, let me see myself as you see me. God, help me to really experience the depths of your love.” You are the apple of God’s eye. I see them cry when they realize that. Some may have only experienced being put down, or told they are no good. But just to know God loves them as they are, blows them away. And that is what it is all about.
Local-born, part-Hawaiian Father Scott Bush became a priest at age 42. He is celebrating 26 years of ordination.
