theROCK

The Big Reveal

One of my favorite Thanksgiving traditions was always going to dinner at my grandma’s house. In the corner of her dining room there was a wooden China cabinet, beautifully carved and holding a collection of colorful, decorative plates. These plates were special—used only for the most important occasions.

Every year, I would arrive at my grandma's house early, excited to help set the table. My first task was always to open the cabinet doors and admire the plates. Each one was unique, with vibrant colors and intricate designs. Some plates were delicate, with soft floral patterns in pinks and purples, while others featured angels with golden halos or paisley swirls in rich blues and greens. There were also plates with nature inspired designs—trees, birds, and leaves that captured the beauty of the outdoors. The plates were also different sizes and each one reflected its own charm. I always looked forward to discovering which plate would be mine. I loved the idea of each plate holding my delicious Thanksgiving meal, but even more, it was about the tradition, the beauty, and the mystery of which plate would grace my spot at the table.

What made the tradition even more special was my grandma’s secret touch. Before dinner, she would sneak into the dining room and place a name card beneath each plate. No one knew whose name would be under their plate until we were all seated. After we said our prayer, it was time for the big reveal. “Now, look beneath your plate,” grandma would say, her voice full of warmth. We’d lift the plates, and there it was—a name, neatly written on a small card. The name on the card was always a surprise, and it was always meaningful. Before we ate, we would go around the table, sharing something we loved or appreciated about the person whose name was beneath our plate. It could be a simple memory or a heartfelt compliment, but it always brought a smile and a sense of connection to everyone at the table.

This year, as Thanksgiving approached, I began thinking about this tradition in a different light. It made me reflect on our relationship with God. Just as my name was lovingly placed under my plate, I realized that God has our names always beneath His “plate”—the plate of His love. God created us, and He loves us deeply. That love never changes, no matter the season or the year. This holiday season, I am choosing to reflect on how much God truly loves me, and I am eager to understand just a little bit more of that unending love.

We Are Gifts from God

I have been described as a high-motor guy, although some mornings the oil doesn’t seem to get to the joints as quickly as needed. Conversations and projects requiring my attention are plentiful. My wife needs to remind me to eat when I get deep into a home project. To quote Professor Hinkle, “busy, busy, busy.” Strangely, I enjoy the pace.

Oh I relax, I’m known to watch a movie on the couch with my eyes closed. One of our joys is sitting at our backyard fire pit, especially after floating the day away in the pool. Sometimes there is conversation and other times just quiet. It is an opportunity to be alone in our thoughts or “just be.” Electronics are set aside and we observe birds singing to each other, an evening sky, and the wind in the trees.

Then it hits you. Everything, and I mean every person, place, thing, even our own lives, are gifts from God. Why does He give us these gifts? How do we use them?

The “why” is easy to answer. It is because He loves us, unconditionally, regardless of how we answer the “how” question.

God placed us here to be a gift to others. No pressure. We have a great example in Jesus. Love, listen, forgive, guide, and support. Focus less on what we don’t have. Thank God daily for what we have already received, even the minor things.

Be a gift to others, often in small, everyday ways. Spend time with an elderly parent or a friend in need. Listen to understand and not to reply. Let someone merge in traffic or go before you in a line. Hold a door open. Smile. For in giving we receive. Don’t worry, God has equipped us and will walk with us as we become gifts that keep on giving (and receiving).

Our mission statement says it . . . we are called to Be Christ each for the sake of all. Let’s get to work.

Gratitude for Family

The Feast day of the Holy Family is one of my favorite days to celebrate. There is just so much to meditate on this day. I find myself enthralled thinking about what the life of the Holy Family was like in that hidden town of Nazareth. I think of my own family and how we can imitate Mary, Joseph, and Jesus more fully each day. This year, I found myself surprised by a new meditation I had not experienced before: gratitude for my spiritual family of St. Dominic.

When I was growing up my family went to Mass at the Basilica of St. Josaphat in Milwaukee. The beauty of that building continues to inspire my heart to become a majestic dwelling place for God. As commuters however, I never felt at home. My family and I would show up for Mass on Sunday and leave right away, rarely were we there during the week. Because of this, I never felt part of the family of the Basilica community, there were people I connected with for sure, but I was more attached to the building than the people.

From my first days at St. Dominic, I encountered a different experience. Each one of you welcomed me more than with a simple hello, you welcomed me into your family. This has not been my experience only, many new parishioners mention that it is the family atmosphere at St. Dominic which led them to join. I have learned in my  short 2 1/2 years here that St. Dominic is much more than a building, it truly is a family.

It is a family I am most grateful for. In my early years of priesthood you have raised me with love and support and have helped me grow as a priest in all avenues of my life. You have invited me into the joys and sorrows of your life and I have felt each within my own heart. While Brookfield may not be as quiet as Nazareth, you have shown me glimpses of the Holy Family with your joy, faith, hope, perseverance in trial, trust in God, and most felt by myself, love.

On this feast day of the Holy Family, my heart is full of gratitude for you, my family of St. Dominic. You will never know the full impact you have on your priests and I hope you know how much you are loved by Fr. Dennis and myself. Thank you for your imitation of the Holy Family and for filling my heart with joy and thanksgiving to be a part of this incredible community.    

It may sound strange coming from a 29-year-old young man who has only been a priest for under 3 years, (it does to me) but I am proud and humbled to be called father of this family, my family, the family of St. Dominic.

May the Holy Family continue to guide us all to be more like them each and everyday.