December, 2023
Beloved,
It is right, and a good, and joyful thing, always and everywhere to give thanks to you, Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth. We are familiar with this part of the Eucharistic Prayer as we hear it at every mass on Sunday. It has been my mantra ever since I learned to recite it.
It is right, and a good, and joyful thing, always and everywhere, to give thanks to God. I hum this not just when things are hunky-dory; I chant this, especially when life throws a curve ball at me. There were even times when I added “my butt” to the end when things got too hard. While reciting it does not work like a magic spell that will make the hardship disappear in the blink of an eye, it grounds me to search for the presence of God’s grace fully at work to be thankful. Believe it or not, I’ve always managed to find it. Perhaps it is why someone often tells me I am an eternal optimist!
Speaking of gratitude, thank you so much for celebrating my 50th birthday. Your generous support, prayers, and abundant love meant the world to me. I only pray and hope you feel as much appreciation, support, and love from me through my service as your pastor. I fall short in many areas and have much more to learn; I rejoice in your invaluable candid input, which helps me stay alert to further my vocation.
While I do not want to get too wrapped around my being 50, I can’t help feeling a significant chapter coming my way, about which I know nothing. It almost feels like God is challenging me with more responsibilities. Frankly, I am not entirely sure if I like this premonition, to tell you the truth. The last time I felt this way, I confided in late Fr. Don and Fr. Ken. I distinctly remember their reactions like it was yesterday. They both told me something like: “Andrew, you may not know what lies ahead of you, but you are here NOW. Don’t waste your energy worrying about tomorrow. God has brought you here safely today. What is God calling you to do NOW??” Instead of giving thanks for the present from God, I was driving myself crazy over tomorrow God had not even made yet. Tomorrow, which I had worried about, became today, and eventually yesterday, last week, and last year. I suppose giving thanks to God means to live fully in the present – every breath we take. As simple as it sounds, it calls for a deliberate attempt to live into this.
It is right, and a good, and joyful thing, always and everywhere to give thanks to You, Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth.
As we begin the season of Advent, preparing for the celebration of Jesus’ birth and His second coming, this is an excellent time to slow down, be grounded in our faith intentionally, trust in God’s abundant Grace working in our lives fearlessly, and live in the present with gratitude. Lastly, mark your calendar on December 21st, 7 pm – The Service of the Longest Night. We will meet our friends in the community over fun music and fellowship. Your presence is needed to lift up our hearts!
Faithfully in Christ,
Fr. Andrew
