Dad of the Year

Leland skipped breakfast this morning. But after dropping him off, I found a stash of granola bars and thought I’d bring him one. Leland sees me, and his eyes get large—but not in the “oh yay” way, more like the “oh, no” way. As I get closer, I see a bulge in his cheeks of something he has chipmunked. He’s been caught in the act.

“What’s in your mouth?” I ask.
“Starburst,” says the fox.
“Do you have any more, Leland?” And he proceeds to empty his pocket of nearly a dozen pastel-colored fruit chews. I seize the goods and walk away. His teacher is passing—I offer her one and proudly proclaim “contraband!” She takes two. Monsignor asks what’s happening, and I show him what I’ve confiscated. “That’s great!” he says, “isn’t that wonderful?!?”

I can’t help but think God treasures and parents us the same way. This Lent, perhaps we have broken our fast or practice, chipmunking it away, hoping God won’t see. We think our God is going to scold and confiscate and shame. But the wisdom of Msgr. Torgerson’s reaction is closer: God sees the joy in our foibles and knows those moments of struggle and stumble will only make us stronger. They are part of the journey.

Fr. Brendan reminded us that there is nothing we can do to make God love us more. And conversely, there is nothing we can do to make God love us less. The mission of the St. Monica community is to form loving disciples, and we strive to accompany everyone on that journey. We welcome all to the table, offering not only joy and prayer but also works and sufferings. Your generosity and support are a great ‘Amen!’ to that mission, welcome, and even stumble. May our Lenten journey be wonderful in God’s eyes.