The Grace of Unexpected Moments
Now that Thanksgiving has passed, I’ve been thinking about gratitude and the many ways it finds its ways into our lives.
It’s easy to be grateful for the blessings we can name: our family, friends, and the people who walk alongside us. But sometimes we receive something unexpected just when we need it most.
We all have moments when we question ourselves. We wonder if we are capable of what is being asked of us, if we are making a difference, or if we have the strength to keep going. Even when we feel called to something, the road can become tiring, and we lose sight of why we started. And then, sometimes, something happens.
A conversation, a few unexpected words, or a moment that arrives at just the right time to remind us that we are not walking alone. These are some of the ways God gently encourages us to keep going.
God meets us through the ordinary people, places, and moments woven into our everyday lives. We may not always recognize their significance, but sometimes they offer just enough light to help us take the next step.
This doesn’t mean following every thought or feeling we have. Rather, we are invited to pray, listen, and discern, remaining open to the wisdom of others and the ways God speaks through Scripture and our everyday experiences.
Today, October 16, we celebrate the feast of St. Gerard Majella, a Redemptorist brother whose life reminds us of the beauty of simple, faithful service. Despite setbacks along his journey, he continued to seek God’s will and serve those around him. In fact, his last will was written as a small note on the door of his cell: “Here the will of God is done, as God wills, and as long as God wills.” His example reminds us that we don’t have to do extraordinary things to make a difference. Often, it’s through our faithfulness in ordinary moments that God works through us.
Perhaps gratitude is not only about recognizing what we have received, but also about noticing the moments that renew our hope and give us courage. And perhaps we are called to offer that same encouragement to others. A kind word, a listening ear, or simply showing up can make more of a difference than we realize.
As we move into the weeks ahead, may we remain open to the ways God encourages us, have the courage to keep going, and become a source of encouragement for someone else.
St. Gerard Majella, pray for us!
God bless.
Christine Caporusso
Associate Director, Ignite Ministry