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“Brothers and sisters: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” I love how St. Paul often addresses his churches. So, I say to the Church at Jeffersonville, grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ!
I pray that you and your family experienced God’s grace this Thanksgiving! As my family lights the first candle on our Advent wreath today, I will share the story of Father Solanus Casey with them. Do you know his story?
Father Solanus Casey was beatified in Detroit MI a couple of weekends ago on November 18th. He is one step closer to be officially recognized by the Catholic Church as a saint. Father Casey was a quiet, gentle, and an unassuming priest. His seminary superiors questioned his ability to serve as a priest and hesitated to recommend him because his low grades and poor academic performance. Father Casey’s deep trust in God's providence prevailed and he became widely known as "Detroit's miracle worker." His practice of radical gratitude attracted people to him, especially the sick and poor of Detroit. He was extraordinary in his love, trust, faith, and confidence in God. Often, people coming to him with requests were greeted with his legendary saying, "Thank God ahead of time."
When we think of December and all the holiday celebrations, we usually think of party time. We anticipate the new year by making resolutions, promising changes in behavior.
As Christians, we celebrate the arrival of a new liturgical year on this first Sunday of Advent differently. In the readings for the four Sundays of Advent, we remember the time when people waited in anticipation for the coming of the Messiah. And while we know that the Messiah has come in Jesus Christ, this is a time when we can still reflect on and celebrate the newness of Jesus’ coming once again.
Maybe this Advent Season as we prepare for Christmas we will allow Father Casey to be our inspiration.
How can you and I practice radical gratitude? Who knows, we just might be the candle that lights someone’s way to the Christ‐child’s manger.
His peace to you and your loved ones,
Frank Barlag