Harvey Millican's Blog: Musings of a Trad Dad

On this First Sunday of Advent when we heard Luke’s account of the end of the world from Christ’s mouth – last Sunday was Matthew’s account of the same – we learn that even the cancelled priests are canceling each other.

Lord deliver us from evil.

Strung some Christmas lights up tonight. Guess what I don’t do…

Despite being a Christmas decorating master, I neglected to plug the four strings in before stapling them to the underside of my roof.

Now I know what lots of tiny icicle lights look like when a third of them don’t work.

Over the past few months I have had a great blessing in my life. A man with whom I was not well acquainted from my parish fell ill. When I heard he was in the hospital, I asked around as to whether or not he could receive visitors. My Mom and Dad taught me about the works of mercy. I know what I’m capable of, what my talents are. I may not be able to do much else but I can sit in a hospital room with the best of them!

Beginning in early May I went to visit my new friend. I have not mentioned that he is a revered and much beloved priest because it should not matter. “As. Often as ye did it for the least of these, my brethren…” And I haven’t been perfect about getting over to see him as often as I’d like. But here we are months later and many hospitals and facilities since that first visit.

A lifetime ago before he was ill, the man forgave my sins in the confessional. He gave me such wonderful counsel and really helped me advance in the spiritual life.

This week I managed four visits with him. And I am the one who is blessed to be in his presence. I’ve gotten to know this man as he’s preparing to pass to the next life. He has imparted his wisdom through a body that is failing him.

He told me a few days ago: “Thank you for coming to see me. It’s a great act of charity.”

I told him: “You’re my “father”. This is my pleasure.”

I truly think the only reason he has not let go is because he asked for just enough suffering to help a few more souls. I told him recently, “Father, I sure hope you’re offering this all up for me. I need it.”

He smiled faintly.

Then, with the weakest voice and the manliest heart he lifted his fingers and softly said (as I dropped to me knees next to his bed):

“Benedictio…”

If you read this, please pray for my friend. The Lord is so marvelous in how He give me an opportunity to learn from this man even at the end of his life. May God grant him a truly happy death and may the Blessed Mother, Mother of Priests, be in his sight when he opens his eyes, freed from the shackles of this life.

St. Joseph, patron of departing souls, pray for him!

Today is my favorite day of the year. It is my twin sister’s birthday!

46 years ago today she came into the world riding my coattails. I was Baby A, as they say in twindom. Every year I wish her a happy birthday… but not on this day exactly. I certainly do think of her today and I communicate with her my thoughts on how old I’m getting. I jokingly tell her that it’s not fair that she will be youthful forever. I ask for her help in everything I do. We are very close.

But her real “birthday” is February 1. That is the day she entered into her real life. When we were four years-old, God called her home. Our Catholic faith teaches me that as a baptized child who died before attaining the use of reason, she is exactly where she was created to be – in the Beatific Vision, eternally contemplating the perfecton of Almighty God. And I’m her twin, so bonus points for me, right?

But it’s also my favorite day of the year for another reason (and I have told this story before so forgive me for repeating myself). Just keep in mind that God’s Providence extends even to a poor sinner like me and His love and mercy endure forever.

Fourteen years ago, on my 32nd birthday, my wife gave birth to our only daughter. As I sat next to her in the operating room and they extracted our little girl from her mother’s womb in a manner that would make Julius Caesar proud, the anesthesiologist looked at her phone to give the staff the official time of birth. “0923,” she said. I confirmed that time on my phone and then I turned to my wife and said, “He’s really good.” The guy who was holding my wife’s hand, heart bursting with pride and eager to hold his new baby just happens to have entered the world by the same method on that same date at that same time of day.

I looked up and offered the simplest and most heartfelt prayer I have ever prayed.

“Thank you!”

As our baby girl has grown up, I have always noticed a striking resemblance to my twin sister. And I just think it’s the coolest thing God has ever done for me. I have been able to celebrate my birthday as a twin again these past fourteen years, making up for the twenty-eight years I came to the parties solo (although my mom and dad were always good about giving me two gifts on this day – one for me and one for her). My poor wife, on the other hand, has had the burden of trying to plan the perfect parties for a grown man and a young girl. Have I told you about my 40th? It was a princess tea party theme. I was dashing as the prince.

I share this story simply because I think it really is a sign of God’s love, His sense of humor, and His most amazing Providence.

So wherever you happen to find yourself this evening, do me a favor. Raise a glass for the three of us (and one of my nephews who also decided to break out of the womb on this day). More importantly, say a prayer for our sanctification.

And as I hurtle inexorably toward death (sorry for the dark humor), I’ll leave you with these two words; because birthday or no, we’re all going to end up before the throne of judgment which is the Cross…

Stay Confessed.

Check it out, friends. From Barnhardt (who does a marvelous write-up).

The Saint Andrew Christmas Novena

Pray it now!

From the “My babies are getting too old” files… over the past fifteen years both in Virginia and Texas, I’ve lived relatively close to enormous airports. Not close in the sense that I can see the drinks being ordered in first class on takeoff but close enough to where I can be at a terminal in fifteen minutes from my front door. When my kids were little and they would occasionally have a hard time sleeping late at night (and owing to my obsession with airports) I would toss them in the car, drive around the airport, and pray a rosary. They’d be out in no time.

Last night my now teenage son asked a most unusual question. “Have you prayed all of your rosary yet?” He knows I say all fifteen decades. I replied that I had and he gave me a sad look.

“What did you have in mind?” I asked him.

“I was hoping we could take a drive through the airport. Just… for fun.”

“Well son,” I said, “There’s always night prayers…”

And just like that we were driving past terminals again, saying our prayers.

God is too kind to me.

I’ve received a few more intentions for St. Rita. I have added them. By all means, even if I am in the middle of a novena, feel free to send intentions as you like and I will always add them in right away. Also, if you have received favor from our favorite patron saint and wish to share that good news (or if you would like me to take your intention out of the prayers for that same reason) please don’t hesitate to let me know. I have a few in here that I have been praying for every day for a year and a half now. And I don’t mind.

Pax Christi!