Praised be Jesus Christ! Well, ready or not, we’ve arrived at the doorstep of Christmas. This will be a fast weekend with the 4 th Sunday of Advent lasting merely 24 hours. Some of you might be wondering what the priests will do once all the Masses are offered and things quiet down around here. Father Sedlacek is going home and then will spend a few days relaxing with friends. He hinted that he might be spending a good chunk of time at an indoor firing range because he missed at least three deer this fall. I told him it would be easier to see the deer if he actually had a scope, but he’s old school. I will be around this week to cover Masses but it will be a somewhat reduced schedule. As you know, I’ll be heading to Brewton, Alabama (January 1 - 5) for the annual reunion with my classmates from our years together in Rome. A smaller group (around a dozen) is coming this year, but the hope is to have a great showing next year as we celebrate our 20 th anniversary as priests in 2019. Because I really enjoyed my brief opportunity to hunt this year (I got out a couple of hours on Thanksgiving afternoon and then each of the next two mornings), I plan on both hunting and harvesting a number of deer. I thought the associate would take care of things (he did last year), but I guess it’s up to me to fill the freezer this time around. If things go well, you won’t hear any more homilies characterized by a whiny priest who complains of being chronically hungry. Now before I get too carried away, a few thoughts about the book we’re giving away for our annual Christmas gift. Titled The Shadow of His Wings , this book is one of my all - time favorites. Set in World War II, it demonstrates the power of intercessory prayer and the mysterious workings of Divine Providence. Some of my favorite characters in the book (besides the author) are Sister Solana May, Sister Jeanne, and Mere Monique. For those of you who enjoy reading, you won’t be able to put this book down. By the way, another fine read when it comes to the reality that our prayers affect others is the document titled “Eucharistic Adoration for the Sanctification of Priests and Spiritual Maternity.” You can find this document online and it’s one of the finest articles I’ve ever read in terms of the power of Adoration and how God’s people have literally changed the course of human history by their sincere practice of the faith. The stories found in the article are so inspiring that one cannot help but be deeply touched by the power of prayer. Writing this has impelled me to read it again – I’m printing it right now! Realizing that some of you are not avid readers, maybe someone in your family can take the time to share some of the stories found either in the aforementioned article or the book we’re giving away. Stories are a wonderful way to teach as we enter the narrative and see ourselves in a different light. Allow me to conclude by thanking each of you for making Christmas so happy and holy for Father Sedlacek and me. We’re grateful for the gifts of food, money, and gift cards. More importantly, we thank you for your prayers (especially the many Masses that you’ve had offered for us), as we could never live this life without your spiritual support. I’m sorry that I cannot thank each of you personally, but I pray for you every day and I hope you feel more of God’s love this way.
May God bless you and your loved ones with the most joyful and peaceful Christmas ever!
Your friend in Christ, Father Martin
May God bless you and your loved ones with the most joyful and peaceful Christmas ever!
Your friend in Christ, Father Martin
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