This morning I had the early Mass. At St. Thomas More there are eleven Masses scheduled altogether today, though I'm a little uncertain about the exactness of that number. It's one of those things that comes with being at an immensely large parish during the holiday season. So, I had the 5 p.m. Mass yesterday evening and the 7 a.m. this morning. That ought to do it, right? Well, you've got add into the equation that today we celebrate both the fourth Sunday of Advent and then later this afternoon we'll get to the Christmas Vigil. Yes, I still need to return this afternoon for two more liturgies (and there are several other liturgies as well). It's enough to keep three priests and four deacons, and one liturgical coordinator busy all day.
But not so right now. I'm taking a welcome moment to do something I haven't had much time for lately... Yes, the blog. I must admit there's been something of a slow down from where I was when I started this thing way back in June. It doesn't seem all that long now. It's been a good six months of blogging and I anticipate many more to come, especially when I encounter quiet moments when I can relax and put my spiritual self into it. Right now, I'm being as about spiritual as my soul will allow. All the shopping is done, I'm settled back with a cup of chocolate-flavored coffee, and I'm enjoying the moment while I get ready to face the parking lot and the crowds at the parish this afternoon.
Winter has come late to central Texas, but finally it has arrived with chilly nonstop raining. It's rained for past 20 hours now with the temperature holding at around 40. Good thing we don't get snow very often in this part of the state! I have a fire in the fireplace and the sound of televised Christmas music and children playing comes from the next room. I take a moment to think back on the past when in my youth Christmas stood out as the one occasion, year after year, that I remember most. I suppose the reason that Christmas stands out so well in my memories is because it is the event that brings people together. And what better way is there to truly celebrate the coming of our salvation than by coming together to be with the ones you love? For me, being with my wife and children fulfills the meaning of the season. Certainly, I appreciate their allowing me to get away for a short while to serve the parish today.
Thus far, there have been plentiful blessings this year to balance out whatever difficulties I've faced. I take Christmas as a moment to celebrate blessing. I always celebrate my blessings with the ones I love, which also includes taking this moment to share with whomever might think of logging on to deacondanwright.org today--but hey, as Catholics we have this entire wonderful season of Christmas. It won't be all gone day after tomorrow--I'll have other Christmas messages to share with you later this week I'm sure. Our challenge, as Christians throughout the year, is to keep the blessings flowing.
As we head into Christmas--later today and this evening--I'll keep you in my prayers. It's my tradition to stay at home and watch the Midnight Mass televised from Rome. Many years before I became Catholic, when I was about 19 I remember watching the Mass from Rome with my mother. It was celebrated by our great pope John Paul--the first Christmas of his pontificate. I recall the conversation that my mother and I had that night as we were blessed by the pope's message and the beauty of the images from the Vatican. It was at that time, I believe, that mother and I opened our hearts to the message of the Catholic faith. I look back on it now as a miracle of faith--though certainly sublime. John Paul had that kind of charisma; it was a time of blessing indeed. However, the time for blessing is far from over.
May the blessing in your life continue in this Christmas season and beyond. Wherever you are, family, friends, near and far... I pray that you have a most blessed Christmas season. May it be bright and full of the joy and love that we find in Christ and in one another.
God bless you, dd, for your dedicated service to your parish and for the Lord, despite heavy workloads and fatigue.
Wishing you a blessed Christmas, with peace and joy for your whole family.
Posted by: Gabrielle | December 24, 2006 at 01:13 PM
We've just returned from midnight Mass, and two more will go to the morning Mass.
My hair has held the smell of sweet incense, and I hope that which He received on the night of His birth was even sweeter.
As we knelt, I thought suddenly of all the Catholic world kneeling at a midnight Mass, and that became another Thank You. We're truly connected, truly catholic, universal. Come to any Mass anywhere, and we will know it is Mass.
We see people who likely haven't been to Mass in a long time, perhaps only Easter and Christmas, and at first they are solemn-faced, but give them "Silent Night" and "Away in a Manger" and "Angels We Have Heard on High" and the relaxing is visible; they are home again. We are all at home again. In Him. We are family.
Thank you for all you do, DD, and for all you share. May your 12 days of Christmas be filled with peace and laughter and hot food and some very good beer.
Posted by: Honora | December 25, 2006 at 12:48 AM
Happy New Year, deacon dan!
Posted by: Gabrielle | January 01, 2007 at 12:07 AM
Happy 2007, DD. :-)
Posted by: Honora | January 01, 2007 at 10:36 PM
Deacon Dan, this post is truly touching. Anything having to do with Pope John Paul II touches my heart. I miss him so much. He was in the news practically every day here in Italy. He used to go skiing in a town about 45 minutes from where I live, which was only an hour from Rome. He would do those one-day outings often and it would make the news every time.
I truly hope 2007 will bring you and your family many good things, and that you will always feel the enthusiasm and joy of your mission.
Posted by: forget me not | January 02, 2007 at 04:46 PM