Daily Seasonal Reflections
Monday of the First Week of Advent
Fr. Trey Nelson
 
Today I had the privilege of driving to Saint John the Evangelist Church in Plaquemine to celebrate the Funeral Mass for Mr. Nolan Joseph “Country” Ruiz.  He was one-hundred-and-a-half years-old.  His daughter, Gail, and her husband, Terry, reside here in Saint Jude Parish. I have known them and their extended family for over 30 years.  While I referred to him as “Mr. Nolan,” the whole world called him “Country.”  He was one of the most delightful people I have ever known.  Country served in World War II.  He was what you called a Ball-Turret Gunner on a B-17 bomber.  He flew 21 missions.  After 25, he would have been able to go home.  However, on his 21^st mission, a daylight bombing run, his plane was shot down near Stuttgart, Germany. He spent about a year-and-a-half in 2 stalags.  He and his fellow prisoners of war were then marched—for 81 days—along with is referred to as the “Black March.” The Germans were marching them away from the Russians.    I think they knew the end of the war was near.  Country did not like to talk about it. When they were liberated, he was flown from England to New Orleans, where he spent about 6 months in a hospital recovering. He then took a bus to Baton Rouge. From Baton Rouge he, believe it or not, hitchhiked to his home town of Plaquemine.  Country’s father had died when he was very young. He never knew him.   His mother was everything to him.   He did not tell her he was coming home, because he wanted to surprise here. Imagine what that scene at her front door that night looked like!
 
I could go on forever about the virtues that this good man exemplified: charity, a non-judgmental approach to people, an amazing work ethic, and, more than anything, the deepest of faith.  Earlier this year, during our last visit together, he wanted to talk privately. Mr. Nolan had great concerns about the world today.   He made a statement that stuck with me and has reemerged at the beginning of this Advent Season.  “You know, father,” he said, “it seems to me that so many people are worried about what they gotta do next and not about what they’re doing now.”  
 
During the homily at our Masses this past weekend, I asked the question, “What outcome are you hoping for from this Advent time?”  I shared with the assembly that I wasn’t exactly sure how I would answer that question.   After reflection, however, I have come to some sense of what I am personally hoping for.  Sure, I want to be as healthy as I can be. I want to have a solid, regular prayer life, and so on.  More than anything, though—I want to make the commitment to “being more in the moment.”  Country was right.  We spend so much time worrying about, thinking about what we have to do next, so much so, that we often miss the grace of the moment. Choosing briefly to be deliberately silent. Listening intently to someone who may be hurting.   Enjoying a cup of coffee with someone—without constantly looking at your phone.  And so on.  
 
Whatever goal you set for yourself this Advent, if any, perhaps we could all be better at “being in—and enjoying—the moment.” 
 
Thanks, Country!