Father Brad...

It is Friday... I am in Gaming... It is cold outside...

I was working out with Father Brad this morning, and I realize now what a blessing he is in my life. We have been working out together now for the past two months. Wow. I think this is the longest workout partner I've had. No offense to any of you who have worked out with me in the past. I also found out last week that we are in the same fraternity! Delta Upsilon. He was part of the University of Michigan chapter, and I was part of the University of Texas in Arlington chapter.

He has also been a blessing for me in my spiritual progress. He calls me on to holiness in small and large ways. Small ways: He always has a joy about him, and whenever you speak with him you know that he has found happiness in the Lord. There is nothing like talking to a priest who is joyful in his priesthood. It is real encouragement for men who are discerning that vocation. Large ways: He calls you on to personal prayer and participation in the Sacramental life in the Church. He has really reminded me of the importance of integrating Scripture into your prayer life. Not only do we have to read the Bible, but we have to let the words of the Bible be realized into our daily lives. How do we do that?

email me and I'll send you a copy of his technique: vgranado@franciscan.edu

So here is a story of God's gift to me today. I'm a sinner, and like any sinner I need forgiveness, which is why I try to make it to confession often. Today I wanted to go to confession, but confessions are on Mondays and Tuesdays. It being Friday, would mean I would have to schedule an appointment with a priest, which can be a bit of an inconvenience (but not impossible) for everyone. So I scheduled an appointment for this afternoon with Father Brad... sweet. Anyways, I am walking to Mass (late) and as I am about to enter into the main chapel, I see that a girl pops out of the confessional box. I asked a friend of mine, who was outside of the main chapel with her adorable little child, if there was confession. She said yes, and that today was special because they have them on the first Friday of the month at this time. I was like... God you are cool... thanks for the gift. I went to confession. It was cleansing, and then went immediately into Mass. Talk about bling-bling.

God is good... all the time... nuff said.