By Noah Maffett
I’ve often found that the new year presents a unique opportunity for renewal and growth. Many cultures and traditions have long seen the significance of a new year as an invitation to take stock of one’s own life and move towards new goals, hopes, and aspirations. The Church for her part experiences this as well, although our liturgical new year doesn’t line up exactly with the calendar. Nevertheless, the movement from the expectations of Advent and the joys of Christmas into the activity of ordinary time is an opportunity to apply the graces of each season.
For me, I believe an important grace I’ve received during this transition period of Christmas break to a new semester is the desire to keep present and alive the real joy of the Gospel that I found during the Advent season. Advent is a special period of longing and expectation that culminates in the Christmas celebration of God Himself taking on our own flesh and humanity and giving us hope, light in the darkest time of the year. This joy from Christmas is one so great that the Church can’t contain it in a single day and instead spreads it out over an octave, or really the twelve days of Christmas. I feel, however, that this joy is so great that we should continue to hold it in our hearts through ordinary time. There’s a phrase I commonly hear in Christian circles during Christmas time: “Keep Christ in Christmas”. I think we should also remember to, “keep with us the Christ from Christmas”.
Already this year, I have experienced so many small encounters and graces in my discernment of the priesthood, which seem to confirm in my heart the Lord’s desire for my vocation and how He wants me to grow in formation in seminary right now. One of my greatest gifts in this respect came from Archbishop Sample’s recent visit to us who are studying at Bishop White Seminary in Spokane, WA. My meeting with Archbishop Sample was one of great affirmation and true care and love from our spiritual father. It was a conversation which allowed me to say in my heart, “Seminary is right for me. I am happy here. I wish to continue to hold this joy of the Gospel and share it with all of those I am present to.”
In days which can hold so much unease and unrest, I can truly say that I am excited for what our Lord has in store in this new year, both for myself in seminary but also for His Church in the world. It is a blessing to receive the joy of the Gospel being offered in each moment of my day-to-day life and struggles and the ability to always give gratitude to God who gives us our joy. This is the grace that I feel will characterize at least this semester, if not the remainder of my time in college seminary. Thank you for your prayers and support!