Give Thanks Always

As Fr. Aaron and I move on to what the Lord has next for both of us, you now welcome two amazing priests in Fr. John and Fr. Alex. They will both be amazing. I want to express my gratitude to the people of St. Joseph, Pillar of Families. So many people have expressed their desire to grow in friendship with Jesus Christ and knowledge of their Catholic Faith. Keep seeking the Face of the Lord!

I am deeply grateful to my staff who have stood by me in the trenches and supported me in so many beautiful ways. I am grateful to each of my vicars. Fr. Aaron has been right hand man and has become a close friend over the past 3 years of working together. Fr. Reckers has taught me so much about the Catholic Faith and I will still be getting to see him since I will not be far away. Fr. Mondiek has been a wonderful resource in sharing his many years of priestly service.

I am grateful to the archbishop for his concern and care for his priests and for me, in particular. I am grateful to the Blessed Virgin Mary who has given her motherly care to me on many difficulties, being a safe haven, to shed many tears. All glory and thanks belong to God, the almighty Father who has bestowed much mercy and grace upon me. Using my experiences as pastor to reveal His loving plan for me.

Whatever the Lord permits, He does so out of love. Thus, I pray that whatever comes next His will be done. In this line, I share with you a prayer that was found on the body of a British paratrooper during the Second World War that I have found fruitful over the past few months.

Give me, O Lord, what remains Thine; What no one ever asks of Thee. I do not ask Thee for rest. Nor tranquility, Neither of the soul nor of the body. I do not ask Thee for riches, Nor success, Nor even health. So many ask you for these, O Lord, thou shouldst no longer have anything left to give. Give me Lord, what remains Thine. Give me that which all of us refuse. I want insecurity and restlessness; I want struggle and trouble. And grant them to me, My Lord, forever.

Make sure that I will always take them Because I will not always have the courage to ask of Thee for them. Give me, O Lord, what remains Thine, give me what others do not want; But give me also the Courage, And the Strength, And the Faith. Amen.

Peace in Christ,
Father Jarred Kohn