Today I went to Mass where I often used to come when I was living at home while in grad school.
In fact, around this time 8 years ago the simple idea for Present Catholic was born. Perhaps even in this very church.
Today I pray for different things and yet many of the same things as well.
It’s almost like stepping into a time capsule. The adventurous yet nervous youthfulness from that time radiates all around me and yet the maturity that I’ve seemingly always had, even then, seems to solidify within me at the same time.
I can see the people, the priest, the pew.
The feelings, the desires, the hopes.
The unknowns, the questions, the longings.
Who knew it could all be contained in one small church a town over from home. A church with the name of a Saint who started seeking me out so fervently a little over a year ago. Or perhaps, his seeking began here all those years ago, slowly building until the time I’d need his friendship the most.
A lot can happen in a moment and yet appear to pass as any other. It’s in the compounding of the present moments while pondering them IN the present moment that shows us all that was and is contained within each one.
It’s the grace of the new moment mingled with the old.
It’s hope from the past fueling hope for the now.
And isn’t that essentially the Christmas message?
The past, present, and future are all mingling as one, fueled by the God Who was, is, and ever shall be.
I can’t say I expected to receive this message today. And yet that too is the message of Christmas. Christ coming in the unexpected.
So as Christmas approaches I encourage you to expect the unexpected. And trust the impossible is always possible with our glorious God.
Yesterday. Today. And Tomorrow.
✨
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