After the first year of diaconate formation, our class had shrunk from eight men to five.
At our June retreat, we were told we were being "held back" a year. The diocese wanted to find more men to join us.
We were mad. Frustrated. We had done everything asked of us. And now we were being told to wait.
This Sunday's Gospel - the workers in the vineyard - got us through that year. "Are you envious because I am generous?"
We couldn't see what God was doing. We could only see what we were losing.
What we couldn't see: we were ordained in 2021, not 2020. Full cathedral. Families there. No COVID restrictions. The year we were held back turned out to be the year that made everything possible.
I wrote the full story here: The Year We Were Held Back
This Week's Writing
It's been a heavy week. Three posts, three different registers.
Standing With Her - a reflection on Our Lady of Sorrows, liturgical sorrow, and what changed when I stopped being Deacon MICHAEL and became DEACON Michael. The most personal thing I've written in a while.
Stop Counting - last Sunday's homily on forgiveness, the Lamech inversion, and what it looks like to show up anyway. Now on YouTube with audio from the 10:30 Mass.
What Is Actually Asked of You - on the Illinois assisted suicide law and what the Church actually permits at the end of life. For anyone facing those decisions or helping someone who is.
And if you want the longer argument on how the law passed and what the Oregon data shows: The Illinois Assisted Suicide Law at Another Voice.
Fulton Sheen Beatification - One Week Away
September 24, St. Louis, The Dome at America's Center.
Cardinal Tagle will preside. Diocese of Peoria is hosting. Tickets are still available at celebratesheen.com.
I quoted Sheen in Sunday's homily - on tolerance of right and wrong, truth and error, virtue and evil. His voice is needed now more than ever. Grateful we'll be able to call him Blessed by this time next week.
From Domus
The Ember Days are here - Wednesday, Friday, Saturday this week. Ancient days of prayer, fasting, and thanksgiving for the harvest. & Altar has prayers for each day.
Coming up: the Feast of St. Matthew (Saturday) and the start of autumn.
Two Lamps
Issue 20 comes out Friday.
Saint Robert Bellarmine and Saint Hildegard of Bingen. Bellarmine's study at the Roman College, an autumn afternoon in 1585.
Short fiction braiding the lives of two saints across centuries. Read it at TwoLamps.org →
Lux Perpetua
The Living Thread, Chapter 27, is live. The Lost Crown, Chapter 24, drops tomorrow.
A serial novel in two tracks - mystery, memory, and the weight of what we inherit. Read it at LuxPerpetua.net →
Final Word
"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways my ways, says the LORD."
Thank God for that.
Until next week -
Dcn. Michael