By Zoe Cannon
Gratitude for the Gift of Faith
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes” (Romans 1:16).
The Church honors the witness of great saints as we begin the month of December and prepare for the birth of Jesus. The new liturgical year began on Dec. 1 with the Advent Season, on Dec. 3, we celebrate the Feast of St. Francis Xavier and his zeal to save souls. On Dec. 4, we honor St. John of Damascus, known for his writings against those who opposed the veneration of images. St. Nicholas, bishop during the Roman Empire and Patron Saint of children, is honored on Dec. 6. We honor Mary and her “yes” to fulfill a very important covenant with God in her Immaculate Conception on Dec. 8. These holy saints and their lives tell a story of trust and love for God. Who influences your life by their witness of faith? As you recall their guidance and love, in word or action, return the blessing by offering a Mass for them.
My maternal grandmother was an influence of unconditional love and a witness of Christian faith in my life. Thelma (Pat) Adams was born Dec. 3, 1912. She became a widow at age 51, with four of their six children still at home. She never missed daily Mass and eventually took a position as the housekeeper at the rectory when her children were grown. During the ‘70s, she served at St. John the Baptist rectory in Vincennes, and St. Joseph in Princeton, Indiana.
She was my grandmother, my godmother at baptism and a best friend. She allowed me to navigate her little, yellow Falcon when I got my driver’s license, and we took many road trips together. Her greatest gift to me was her witness of faith. It was not the words she spoke as much as her actions. In high school, I attended morning Mass with her before class and then sat in the kitchen of the rectory as she prepared breakfast for the priests. Her trust in God after an incredible loss in her life spoke volumes to me. She died at age 74 in 1986. She “lived” out her last eight years of life with Alzheimer’s disease. Those years were painful — she didn’t know me but still loved me from her heart. My Grandma taught me to accept the challenges of life by staying close to Jesus and to support the priests who bring Jesus into our lives.
We are being observed whether we know it or not. I recently spent three hours sitting at the “Genius Bar” in the Apple Store. I was waiting for files to transfer to a new computer with people of all ages, gender and ethnicity in the workspace. We were at the mercy of this digital technology. I wondered, was any of the information being saved worth the trouble, or would it be missed if lost? The technician stopped by occasionally to check on the progress. He noticed I was reading and doing homework for a bible study. We started a conversation about faith and those around us were listening. Never be ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for our salvation! Share the gift of Jesus this Christmas Season and help others believe! Amen!