This week has been overwhelming. Soon after I posted last week’s Smorgasbord, I received a text from my mom saying Grandma had peacefully died at her home. Even though I got to spend time with Grandma while she was still able to talk, it was still sad to think that she is gone. However, I consider it an enormous blessing to have had the opportunity to spend time with her before she called to God’s presence.
I spent some time during the weekend trying to finish my last paper for Kino. For the last two years, I’ve been part of the Adult Faith Formation program at the Kino Catechetical Institute in the Diocese of Phoenix, a program designed to help individuals know Jesus Christ and His teachings, as presented in the Scriptures and the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Remember how I said I would read The Power of Silence during Easter? Well, God had a different plan. The Fulfillment of all Desire by Ralph Martin was the textbook for my last class, and we were tasked with reading the whole book and producing a report on it. I read ten out of seventeen chapters and was still able to write six single-spaced pages, one more than the minimum required for the assignment. The book draws from the writings of several doctors of the Church, like Teresa of Avila, Therese of Lisieux, Catherine of Siena, John of the Cross, and Francis de Sales. I plan on finishing the book and writing about it. The book is chock-full of pearls of wisdom. It also feels like the book you’d re-read once a year. It has inflamed my love for God and helped me put a name to specific movements in my spiritual life. As much as I like Ignatian Spirituality, you have to respect Carmelites and how hardcore they are about reaching that unitive stage.
We’re a one-vehicle family. However, we’re looking to acquire a second vehicle because my employer is asking me to go into the office more regularly. Trying to buy a car cash on a budget is an art form, but it is also stressful. I had my sights on a 2012 Honda Pilot I saw on Craigslist. A car broker answered the phone and immediately got a bad feeling about the whole thing. Still, I thought I’d go check out the car with a friend who is a mechanic, but the broker sold the car before I could make an appointment. I spiraled out because things weren’t going as I expected. Luckily for me, Mrs. Cantú is excellent at putting my mind at ease.
A while ago, I had agreed to record weekly podcast episodes in June with my friend Brandon from the InkleDeux podcast since his cousin (whom I used to be roommates with), with whom he records, is on vacation. We had a nice chat about devotions, and you can listen to the episode here:
The graduation Mass for my Kino cohort was on Wednesday evening, and I needed to go to confession. My parish offers confessions Monday through Saturday from 8:00 to 8:25 am. The line was long, but I had hope. Unfortunately, I didn’t get to go. I tried to make an appointment for that morning, and my pastor, God bless him, told me he was going to be hearing confessions for the kids in Vacation Bible School and to swing around 11:30. And so I did, was able to receive the sacrament, and check on my babies from a distance.
Bishop Emeritus Thomas Olmsted was the main celebrant for the graduation Mass, which was such a treat since he confirmed and gave first communion to my oldest son about a month ago. We got a chance to chat with him at the reception, and I was tripping over my words while talking to him. I was moved by the beauty of St. Mary’s Basilica, the Mass, and the culmination of a two-year effort. I felt very grateful for the support Mrs. Cantú has given me through this process, and for our friends who made the effort to go to the graduation.
I probably mentioned this in passing before, but I’m discerning the permanent diaconate. Mrs. Cantú is on board and providing substantial emotional support. The plan is to put together my application packet and submit it before the end of July. If I were to get accepted, I could start formation in the fall. If you could pray for my family and me to do God’s will, I’d appreciate it. And be assured of my prayers as well.
During evening prayer yesterday (Thursday, memorial of Saint Boniface, martyr), the reading was from Revelation 7:14b-17. The first line stuck with me: These are the ones who have survived the great period of trial; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. I focused on the word trial and meditated on it for a bit. I have many comforts: a roof over my head, a nice bed, clothing, air conditioning, clean water, and more food than I need to survive. I also have a wonderful wife and four children who make family life challenging and rewarding at the same time. The trials can be significant, like experiencing the loss of a loved one, or small, like things not going as planned. God allows us to go through these to pick up our cross and follow Him. He comforts the afflicted and afflicts the comfortable. It is a good reminder not to be complacent or hold on to my comfort too tightly—everything in the right order.
I’m excited for what’s coming, whether or not I make it to ordination. I heard Him calling, and I’m trying to do my best to respond.
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Sobremesa
What’s a good graduation gift?
Have you fanboyed/fangirled before?
Any tips on finding a good used car? Praying to Saint Anthony to find a great deal? (I’ll see myself out)
Tim Tebow walked up to me at a gas station. He had a bunch of kids that were performing acts of kindness by paying for gas and washing windows and the like. My first words were “your Tim Tebow!” (Like he doesn’t know who he is LOL). Then I said I was a fan of the broncos. Which is a touchy subject for him because he was let go from them and there is probably some hurt there. He gave an awkward answer. I kind of stumbled from there and said that it was great he was doing this with the kids. Then I boasted about how I loved working with kids and my summer camp and teaching them the importance of relationships etc… All the while I was being filmed to maybe be in the commercial he was making. 🤦♂️. So ya I didn’t come across well and made a fool of myself.
He was my favorite football player growing up because of his Christian messages. I was playing football in high school while he was crushing it playing for the gators. I was in college when he had an exciting postseason with the broncos. I even have his broncos jersey. Such and awkward fanboy encounter LOL. But the whole thing took me by surprise. I’ll do better with my next chance celebrity encounter!
Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her.
Please know of my prayers for your discernment! Discerning a calling can be one of the most difficult things in life, but I hope it’s been mostly peaceful for you.
1. The Summa Theologiae
2. Absolutely
3. Praying to St. Frances of Rome: https://aleteia.org/2023/03/08/why-st-frances-of-rome-is-the-patron-saint-of-car-drivers/