We thought we were simply choosing a different Mass time, but God had a much bigger surprise in store. He orchestrated a Father's Day encounter that we would have completely missed if we had stayed on schedule.
A Sunday Morning with a Difference
It's Father's Day 2022, and it's not just another Father's Day. And I will tell you why.
Today is June 19—the same date as the first one in 1910, when the country first celebrated it! One hundred twelve years ago, today! Learning about this today, all the more that I am in awe as we honor this day.
And, knowing that certain holidays don't necessarily fall on the same date every year, I could not help but get excited about it.
My Husband was in for Some Special Blessing
Our parish had one splendid gift idea for the fathers in attendance at Mass—concelebrating the Solemnity of the feast of the Corpus Christie along with Father's Day.
What Made This Day So Different
The Moment That Set the Tone
This happens to be the first Father's Day that we are celebrating it our parish. and the fathers and father-figures were made exponentially blessed by the Father, through Father Ramiro, of course.
Ramiro surprised the congregation with the Blessed Sacrament exposition right at the conclusion rites of the Mass.
As I mentioned above, the Catholic Church commemorated the Solemnity of the Corpus Christie two days ago. At our parish, the parishioners often stay after the Mass to spend some moments to adore Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament.
That said, having had this opportunity on Father's Day was such a wonderful gift.
As I have mentioned in precious articles, we frequent either the 10:30 AM or 5:30 PM Mass if going to a Sunday Mass. On Father's Day, we went to the 8:45 AM Mass.
What's the significance, you might wonder...
The Gift of Time Together
In my other article, I mentioned that we have been attending the 8:45 AM Mass since mid-spring this year. Whoa—were we thankful that we've made this change!
We've bravely made this change going from 10:30 AM to 8:45 AM, given the adjustments in our morning routine!
Here is why we are super grateful for this decision—
The next Mass is at 10:30 AM is, followed by the noon Mass in Spanish. It would be a stretch to have this Blessed Sacrament adoration in the 10:30 AM English Mass given the short window to the next scheduled noon Spanish Mass.
Half an hour between the 10:30 AM and 12 noon Mass won't be enough time to have the Blessed Sacrament exposition. Whereas, between the 8:45 AM and 10:30 AM Masses, the forty-the five minute-window would be sufficient.
This is why we see the Hands of God who worked this out. It was indeed a super special Father's Day.
To me, nothing could be better than receiving Jesus—His Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity, AND spending time in His presence during the adoration. It was the highest point of this Father's Day celebration!
And, just who couldn't use a little love today? We all do, do we not? Today, we got it in the most heavenly way possible!
Why We’ll Always Be Grateful for That Day
I do not recall this adoration opportunity announced last Sunday, nor was it mentioned in last Sunday's bulletin either.
This explains our excitement, when Father Ramiro made the announcement at the end of the Mass. Marvelous, indeed!
I, myself, was very thankful because I haven't gone to the adoration lately, which is why this Father's Day at church was like no other. To dwell in this thought gives me goose —Jesus desired us to adore him as a family on Father's Day!
Again, He met us where we were, not just halfway!
A gift within a gift.
Naturally, I took the opportunity to pray the Sacred Heart novena that started on the 15th of June, and the Mother of Perpetual Help novena that started yesterday. Precious moments!
Father’s Day and Mother’s Day Are God-Approved
God is not too busy to surprise and delight His people, especially on days reserved for celebrations. After all, He is our Father, and this Father's Day is for Him, too.
Father's Day conforms to the fifth commandment—an act of obedience to the Father. What an opportunity that is given to us all to obey the Father!
To celebrate the Dad in our family, we drove to South San Francisco for the buffet luncheon. God nourished us both spiritually and physically, and wrapped up the occasion by watching a movie rental when we got home.
If there was one thing I learned about how fleeting our life is here on earth is that moments go quickly. Celebrating moments should be at the core of our awareness. Today was filled with wonderful ones!
This is why I'm no stranger to God proving His love when and where it's most needed as love is central to His attributes.
LIfe's not always a sea of sunflowers. Struggles are real. But, today, the good Lord, once again, tickled my fancy, and when He does, I'm inspired to drop a scripture in my heart—
“No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined the things that God has prepared or those who love him.” (1 Corinthians 2:9)
Directing our thoughts around this verse, I sometimes wonder what awaits us in the next. May we be worthy of the promises of Christ. Amen.
As today has been one of those that carry memory markers. We will return to this day remembering everything about this gift received.
Thank you for being part of this journey. If the stories here speak to your heart, I’d love to connect with you on Facebook.
Many blessings, Emilie
A Note from my Heart
I’m Emilie, a seeker of faith who finds God in the quiet pews and the divine surprises of everyday life. I write these reflections to invite you into a slower, more soulful way of seeing the world.