Since my last blog our diocese and nation have marked two significant anniversaries that happen to share the same day, but that is the extent of their similarities. One of the anniversaries was the 450th anniversary of the 1st Mass celebrated on Pensacola Beach on the Feast of the Assumption — Glorious! The other was the 40th anniversary of Woodstock — Messy!
Meanwhile as I serve the Lord and His people as a priest of Jesus Christ in these past weeks I’ve celebrated the outpouring love of our God in the Eucharist each day, the forgiving and healing grace of reconciliation, and reassured the sick and the dying through anointing and viaticum, of the presence of Christ with them in their time of great need. How glorious are the mysteries of faith! Meanwhile, also, I’ve tried to assist through presence, prayer and counsel men and women struggling in marriages, with addictions, doubts, fears, and anxieties. How messy life can be!
So I’ve thought and prayed about it. Although I still maintain that there is little similarity between the two anniversaries we’ve celebrated and/or observed, at least as models or themes for our present time, the two can go together: THE GLORIOUS AND THE MESSY!!! This young…getting older (it takes me so much more time to stretch these muscles before going for a jog, playing basketball, lifting weights, etc.) priest is learning in practice what God revealed in His Son: glory was achieved within the messy when He mounted the wood of the Cross and experienced death only to be rescued from it on the third day.
Turns out this is provident: my next blog is Sept. 14th, The Exaltation of the Cross. I’ll look forward to sharing more then. Blessings!
Father Will Ganci
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Messiness is a part of our life in the family too. And life in the parish or in the home also takes a lot of flexibility. We appreciate your serving heart!
ReplyDeleteIt's great you are sharing your thoughts on line, for it gives us better connection in our lives.
ReplyDeleteSunday's (Aug. 23) 10:15 homily was awesome! Love the depth of worship that your singing brings to the Mass.
ReplyDeleteSunday's (Aug 23) 10:15 homily was awesome. Love the depth of worship that your singing voice brings to the Mass.
ReplyDeleteI agree with the "awesome" homily on sunday 10.15. I needed the reminder that the brokenhearted are closest to God in their time of suffering or need. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteAs a member of the Woodstock generation - you are so right! It was messy. So too, our lives. I appreciate your understanding that it is in the "mess" that Jesus walks with us. Sometimes, it is also the "mess" of our lives that we put on the altar along with the gifts - the work of our hands. He redeems, reconciles and resurrects the "mess" everyday as you celebrate Eucharist. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteWill! I just found out about this new priests blog and I LOVE IT.
ReplyDeleteDear Fr. Will: It is refreshing to read the excitement in your blog of your new experinces as a priest. After reading the comments of the posters regarding your homily, I look forward to someday attending Mass at the Good Shepherd and meeting you.
ReplyDeleteFr. Will,
ReplyDeleteAs I am sure you have noticed...not only is messiness everywhere..it is with and for our teens as well. Thank you for making them a priority in your ministry!
Fr Will,
ReplyDeleteHaving known you slightly as a seminarian, it was a great joy to attend Mass at Good Shepard Saturday evening. Loved the homily, "Amen" as the husband said. And it was a poignant moment when I watched you bless the small children in your communion line.
Fr. Will,
ReplyDeleteWe at Immaculate Conception in Perry are keeping you in our prayers. We thank you for spending time with us when you were a seminarian. May God shower you with His grace and blessings.
Andy & Connie Stimpson