Shouts of Joy + Big News
Welcome to Word for the Week, the series in which I:
share my experience of hearing God’s Word in Mass last weekend,
explore what I believe the Lord is calling me to do about that Word, and
ask how this Word might impact your life, as well.
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As I entered church last Sunday week, I saw our dear friend (“Uncle Andrew” to our kids) was entering ahead of me. “Andrew!” I projected loudly enough to catch his attention. He looked back and gave me a huge smile that spread past his face mask to light up his eyes.
Once I chose a spot at the back, Andrew asked, "May I sit by you, or do you need some space?”
“Of course!” I motioned to the seat beside me.
Andrew’s company provided an unexpected comfort, especially since I’ve been going to Mass alone recently. The word that stood out to me was from the entrance antiphon (a formal opening hymn), which we chant at our parish. The word was, “...shouts of joy.” As I asked the Lord what He wants me to do about it this week, the answer has been two fold: 1. Shout! 2. Write about it.
The last few days have been filled with surprising reasons for me (Amanda Joy) to shout. David and I received an avalanche of blessings this week. I’m going to share one of those amazing blessings right now.
As of July 1, 2020, the Congregation of Holy Cross has given Fr. Matt Fase, CSC, permission to do ministry with David and me on an ongoing basis for the next two years*.
This is huge for our family. This is next-level for our ministry. It is both a confirmation of the fruit of our labors, and it opens many doors to reach many more people in the near future. Plus, it’s an answer to many long-term dreams and prayers.
Since David and I self-published When God Wrecks Your Romance, at the start of 2019, Fr. Matt and I received numerous invitations to give parish missions and talks. We declined most of those opportunities. Although his superiors were very supportive, there was limited flexibility in Fr. Matt’s role in campus ministry at Stonehill College. Now, things are different.
As the newly-appointed associate pastor of St. Joseph Parish in South Bend, Indiana, Fr. Matt has flexibility to do ministry beyond the parish. He will now have a beautiful home community to serve, plus freedom to travel the world to preach about God’s love.
Ever since his seminary days, Fr. Matt wanted to be part of a missionary team. For years, I've dreamt of partnering with a religious community. And since college, David has expressed a desire to build a bridge between the Church and everyday life. LOOK WHAT THE LORD HAS DONE. God supplies every need, every hope, every dream. Have you noticed any new joy in your life this week? Perhaps, like me, you’re surprised by the timing of blessings that you’ve long hoped for. Or maybe, like the gospel account of the paralytic whose friends carried him to Jesus, someone in your life is actively dragging you toward hope and healing. Either way, I'd love to hear about it in the comments. The Lord is faithful.
*Fr. Matt’s primary obedience is to his role as associate pastor and any additional ministry is subject to the ongoing permission of his superior.
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