An Advent of Gratitude   

I always like the way the celebration of Thanksgiving flows right into the liturgical season of Advent.   Since the Advent scriptures call us to “get ready” to meet Christ at any moment which may be our last breath on this Earth, it is so important to “be ready” by having an inner disposition of gratitude as our foundation for all we have and all we are…from God.

Thanksgiving this year was so different for all of us.  Since I was not able to be with any family members last Thursday, I found myself having to ‘go deeper’ in thinking about that for which I am thankful.  And as I said at Mass on Thanksgiving morning, in addition to my ultimate gratitude for the Eucharist and my priesthood vocation, I am deeply grateful for YOU.  Truly, you are my family in Christ and I thank God for how you are helping me in my own journey to holiness and heaven.

I think you know how much I love being your pastor and serving God and you in the priesthood.  I am thankful for the way you forgive my shortcomings and encourage me in whatever small ways I can make a difference in our own spiritual journey.  Thank you!

May we use this Advent to deepen our hope and trust in God, especially during this difficult time in our world.

God’s Light be within you,

Fr. Jim Deiters