purpose | Father Tom Tirman OSM

Tomorrow we begin the Season of Advent. Advent is a time of preparation, preparation for the coming of Christ, and a season also to prepare for the celebration of Christmas on December 25th. It is short, but meaningful, in that I think it really helps to center Christians as to what the true meaning of Christmas is all about.

But sadly, society seems to be upside down in terms of the real meaning of Christmas. Thanksgiving has become the starter’s pistol of what people are now calling the Christmas Season, but we know deep down that is far from true. It seems all about shopping these days and great deals. It is commercial, commercial, commercial. Dear Lord, the news is full of videos of people fighting (physically) while shopping for deals, and some poor soul lost his life (he was trampled by shoppers yesterday) just opening a door at a Wal-Mart. Truly we need what the Church has to offer. Truly the world needs to rediscover meaning and purpose in Christ.

Engaging in a Holy Advent is one way to get there, and I encourage you to try it. Life is far bigger than deals, Christmas parties, and presents….it is full of purpose and meaning if we look for it. And, finding that purpose and meaning really is what makes life worth living.

My friends, I hope you look for the real present that God has prepared for you. I hope you find meaning and purpose through the celebration of a Holy Advent!

God Bless you and good night!

Tom+

It’s 59 degrees tonight out here on the back porch, and Puddy and I enjoying the evening. For me it is perfect, for her the colder temperature has cut down significantly on her prey. But tonight neither of us is complaining. The moon is out, the sky is clear, and the end of this day has all the makings of a perfect night.

As I sit here tonight and reflect, I am struck at how very far we have come in such a short period of time. In just 20 short months, St. Michael the Archangel has grown from literally nothing to four operating missions, and three more in the planning stages. At the start we were just a handful of people, served by one deacon and one priest. We now have six clergy, three priests and three deacons. We were not intending to grow into all this, yet the Lord’s Vision was larger than ours. We have been blessed and are successful, not because we had some fancy business plan, but because we were faithful.

Indianapolis, Bloomington, and Muncie are next! (My peaceful night is turning exciting!) I am so very thankful for all that has been set before us (and yes, that means set before you as well). Our lives are all to have meaning and purpose. What better way to find yours than to faithfully serve the very One who gives you life?

Come join us for Church and for life!

God bless!

Tom+

Father Tom Tirman OSM

Tag Archives: purpose

Looking for meaning and purpose in the midst of chaos…..

The perfect way to ponder what we are made for…….

Father Tom on the web………