An Advent message and thank-you from Gita Grady

What might we be asking for when we ask our Lord to “stir up His power?” What changes might Advent bring? Are we looking for changes within ourselves, or changes in our world? This Sunday we will hear a beautiful passage from Isaiah, that says in part, when God comes, “A highway shall be there, and it shall be called the Holy Way.” (35:8). I feel I had a taste of that highway last month when Father Ben asked the Saint James’ community to pray for me in support of my interview with the Commission on Priesthood. I felt the power of your prayer response on interview day and even the days that followed. Carried by a feeling of peace from your prayers, I was able to approach my interview without anxiety (I might even say my feeble knees were made firm) and a sense that I am on the right path. The interview went well and the committee was affirming of my gifts and my call. They are forwarding my application to Bishop Bourlakas, one of our two assistant bishops in the Diocese of Virginia. His office has let me know to expect an interview time with him either next Thursday or Friday, Dec. 18 or 19. If after that interview he grants me postulancy status, then I will be looking at enrolling in seminary for fall of 2026. None of this would have been possible without the constant support of the Saint James’ community. There is no question the Saint James’ community creates powerful change when we work together, but the power of our prayers together is harder to see or understand. Father Ben mentioned that our mission team to Hurley, Virginia, felt our prayers last spring. It is hard to describe that feeling, but the phrase “peace that passes understanding” comes to mind.

Thank you for that gift of peace and for your support and prayers. Keep your prayers coming this month for our hearts to be open as we prepare for the coming of Jesus, and for God’s peace to be with those who are navigating life’s struggles this advent season. As I’ve walked in what I can only describe as a “Holy Way” these past two years balancing my discernment of God’s call with life’s many adventures, I have spent a good amount of time in prayer. Prayer changes us. And Jesus changes us. “What do you hear and see?” (Matthew 11:4) Perhaps you have not seen someone who was paralyzed walk, or the miracle of a blind person receiving their sight, but you have seen the gifts for the Angel Tree in the Parish Hall, the smiles on children’s faces as they return from Children’s Church, and felt the warmth in our congregation as we welcome those who were once strangers. These experiences of daily life are not only mundane but also holy. I hope we can hold them in our hearts as we continue to walk through Advent and think about what changes the coming of Jesus will bring to our lives. I certainly will be holding your support in my heart whether I move forward into postulancy or find that God is calling me to serve in a different way.

With gratitude,

Gita Grady