Advice from a Young Priest

I went to MS religious Ed class tonight as I teach the 7th graders. Our daughter missed tonight due to having a runny nose and head ache and staying home from school as an extra precaution. It’s been a chaotic time, with many of the members of our household having already been quarantined and tested for COVID multiple times. Truth be told, I was not looking forward to attending tonight’s reconciliation evening and just wanted to come home and relax. Instead, I made supper for my family and bolted out the door before it was finished cooking. 

Let me tell you... I needed the calm tonight! As I sat in the church pew for adoration, I realized how much I truly miss the calm in our life. One of the teachers did such a fabulous job leading the Examination of Conscience that my mind raced with answers to her questions; some responses affirming I was doing well in a given area and other moments making me grimace behind my mask, knowing I missed the mark.

When it came time for confession, I was prepared to open my heart. I admitted my anxiety has caused me to be impulsive and irritable with my family. My frustrations from a long, stressful day at work sometimes get carried over to my interactions at home and I am far from proud to admit this. As much as I try, factors beyond my control heighten my stress levels. I find it difficult to trust things will be okay.  My mind races with the “what ifs”.

Before giving me my penance, Father summed up my confession by acknowledging that many feel lonely during this time, but many of the things I mentioned are similar to that of other confessions he has heard throughout this pandemic.  Regardless of our thoughts that we are alone, that is truly not the case, as Jesus is always with us.  Father’s wise response to my transgressions will be something I will plan on doing daily throughout the season of Advent.  I want to take this moment to challenge others to do the same...

Say “Jesus, be with me” or simply even saying “Jesus” (meaning “God with Us”) to start my day or any moment I am in need of comfort and support. 

Life may not be predictable, but this is one thing that is for sure... God will always be there with us, through thick or thin, and for that I am grateful.

As I sat back in the pew, with my eyes fixed on the monstrance, I realized how blessed I am to have Christ right here, in front of me and there whenever I call upon him.  He is surely the calm in the storm.