New Shoes: New Faith

Yesterday, after returning from the ordination of a classmate to the diaconate, I decided to get off my duff and go get new running shoes, because of some problems that I thought were caused by not having enough support in my current shoes. I went in to a specialty running shoe store close by that was recomended to me by a long distance runner that was ordained last year. I went in and told the salesman that I need new running shoes for several reasons. He had me sit down and he measured my feet. To my utter astonishment, I am a size 11, not a size 9. I never knew this so I just sat there in silence. He then went on to ask me how long I have worn size 9. Of course, I have worn 9 since I was a teen. He just could not believe this. I just thought the shoe size was correct and so life went on. Thus, I had to go out and buy a new wardrobe of shoes to alievate the issue.
What struck me when I was thinking about this is that the same is true with people and Christ. They knew they were not living in an appropriate way or not happy and could not figure out why. Then when they experience Christ, all the pieces fall together and they see the full picture. The ah hah moment if you will. It is only after we are told, taught, experience Christ that we can start having a relationship. Unfortunately, so many people do not even know Christ or experience him in their life. This is why living out our faith 24/7 is so key. It is only after we experience Christ ourselves or through another that we realize what we are missing, mistaken on, never knew or how much we need Him. I never knew what a proper fitting shoe is, It is my own fault, but now I know and had to change my whole shoe wardrobe. It was not cheap, but to continue having foot problems was not worth it at all so I changed all of them at once. Once you authentically experience Christ, all you want is to be in complete relation and you jump feet first.
Just what hit me today. All because of misfitting shoes. You never know when Christ will strike!

vacation

I am on vacation. Thus, no new blogs until I get back to the seminary. Happy Thanksgiving!!!!

The Will of God

Rom 11:29-36

The first reading from today's mass puts a lot of things in perspective. This reading from St. Paul to the Romans, calls us and challanges us to look at who we are and what we are called to be. The first line set the tone for the whole reading, "The gifts and the call of God are irrevocable." What a profound statement. For myself reflecting on my own ordination and the diaconate ordination that I attended this last weekend, this is a powerhouse for trust and faith in God. God has given me the gifts and graces that I need to do his will as a Deacon and future priest. He has given me what I need, not necessarily what I want or what I think I need, but the graces that I need to be a good minister. This is true of any vocation. God will give you the grace to live out your life worthy of the vocation He has chosen for you. At times, when it is hard and we are in the mud, it is difficult to see this, however, this is why we have the readings at mass. They are meant to stimulate and support us in our vocation.

Several lines later the reading continues, "Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God!How inscrutable are his judgments and how unsearchable his ways!" The path that he has chosen for us we find out as we go. We do not get to know what lies in store for us, life is a mystery. Life is not to be spent being worried about what will come. We must live in the present and not judge God because we did not get this or that or get to go here or there. He has a plan and we must be patient and trust in the providence and love of God to take us where He wants us to go.

These are just a couple of thoughts that I had as I was hearing the first reading proclaimed this morning. May God Bless all that we do today.
Deacon Arthur Nave Jr

Solemnity of All Saints

Question of the Day: How Many Saints are in Heaven?

If you think about the feast and it's history, the question makes great sense today. The answer is we do not know. We know and proclaim certain people who lived good and holy lives, who have had miracles attributed to them, but are these all the Saints? The answer is no. All those who have gone before us, who are in heaven are saints. Those that have spent time in purgatory are heading towards heaven after they are finished being purged and washed from their own sinfulness. Thus, can Grandma V, be a saint? The answer is it is possible and when we enter into eternal life, we will find out where she stands. If you look at the litany of Saints, it includes, "All Holy Men and Women." Thus, after asking for the intercession of certain saints by name, we invoke all the saints to intercede for us.

Last weekend, I was reciepent of having the litany prayed for me and sixteen other candidates who were ordained transitional deacons. When our heads hit the floor and the chant began, I understood and was moved by the litany in a profound way. We call upon the saints to help us with our ministry. We call upon the saints to help us with our deficiences. We should call upon the saints to watch over us and guide us. A friend of mine, who was ordained to the priesthood last summer, and I were talking about the litany after his ordination and he gave some advice, "When the litany begins, storm heaven with your request for the graces you need and the saints will be there to back you up." What a powerful thought. As one who follows good advice, I followed his advice and did just that. A little under a week since I was ordained, I can see and know the intercessions of the saints and the response of God working in my life.

May all the Saints of Heaven continue to guide us and guard us.

Saint Stephen, Pray for us.

Mary, Queen of All the Saints, Pray for us.