September 11, 2026
Reflecting on 9/11
Hello Fish on Friday family (FoF)! I wanted to start with a few words about myself. My name is Grant Humerickhouse. I grew up in a small town outside AuGres, Michigan. Then to MSU for criminal justice. And, then I had a nearly 15-year career in law enforcement. The Holy Spirit called me to the Catholic faith in 2011 when I went through OCIA. I am over the moon to grow in faith with you and follow Lord Jesus Christ wherever he calls. The Holy Spirit brought me to the FoF at a time when I was looking for connection in the Catholic Church.
In 2022, the Holy Spirit visited me as I was getting ready for bed. He called me to discern the priesthood, and since then I have said yes with him as my guide. Today I can honestly say that I am happier than I have ever been. From childhood, to MSU, to being a detective, to leaving everything and following God, there is only one thing necessary—drawing closer to Jesus Christ.
As I thought about what I wanted to write for this post, the first thing that came to mind was pausing from my series on theology of place to remember those victims of September 11, 2001, the heroes of that day, and all those people affected. I will never know how those tragic events changed the course of so many people’s lives—I do know that God has a plan. Where I used to question God’s plan, a deeper faith has led me to understand that God’s plan is perfect. I know God was calling to all those Grant’s and Martha’s to come closer to Him.
In my own readings and studies, I have been reading the story of Saint Perpetua. I cannot do her story justice in a small mention here and the story is worth finding. At 22 in the 3rd Century, Saint Perpetua, a nursing mother and Christian refused to forsake the Lord. She only had to make a sacrifice to Caesar, and she would have been set free as a free Roman citizen. Yet the historical record shows she was a faithful Christian joyful, peaceful, and eagerly happy to say “yes” to her faith in Christ alone. I think of all those faithful who prayed with the injured, worried, and scared in the Twin Towers, at the Pentagon, and on Flight 93. Our brothers and sisters who drew closer to Christ and earned a great reward in heaven.
I know without any hard proof that Christian victims were praying with non-believers. I know as they “witnessed” as Christ-like men and women, they in their greatest weakness saved souls that day. I know that our God is good and uses all things even evil for good. I know that the Holy Spirit, outside time and space, is a trustworthy friend to those with the light that can never be extinguished.
The second reading I draw from is Venerable Bishop Baraga’s diary. I am reading his diary. Venerable Bishop Baraga known as the Snowshoe Priest brought the Catholic faith to so many people of Michigan and surrounding states. He knew eight languages before leaving Slovenia and then studied and became fluent in Native American languages. To think of someone willing to leave all comfort to snowshoe through the wilderness of Northern Michigan at that time to spread the Catholic faith is mind boggling. His calling brought him closer to the Lord through hardship, toil, and sacrifice. He said yes to being closer to Jesus Christ by laying his life on the line. Bishop Baraga saved souls by being a witness who knew each day could be the day he died in an unforgiving dangerous environment. He said yes.
The victims who went about their day on September 11 had no idea of what would unfold. Each day, each breath, each opportunity is a gift. Saying I love you. Going for a walk. Making a meal. Inviting someone to mass. Being the light, love, and the Lord Jesus Christ to a stranger, a family member, a friend with the joy of a Saint Perpetua, and the zeal of a Venerable Bishop Baraga is how I want to live. I want to joyfully say yes knowing that only God knows. Only God’s plan is the way, the truth, and the life.
I know walking with God is hard. I have found nowhere in sacred scripture where it says it will be easy. I do find in scripture the promise of God’s eternal promise, the saving blood of Jesus Christ, and the flooding light of the Holy Spirit. I do find that my God is love and love always wins. I do find in saint after saint joy wins. I do find that faith, family, fun unto my last breath is my best hope of the perfection of a new life for, with, and in Jesus Christ.
To the victims of September 11th let us say a prayer that God has them held close. Let us light candles, pray, and fast for those who did not know Jesus in their last breath in His way—that He was there. Let us laugh with our loved ones often. Let us tell those around us we love them. Let us pray for evil to turn from darkness to the light of Christ. Let us be better friends. Let us pray. I love you all. And I hope the peace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you today, tomorrow, and always.
9/11 we remember.
August 14, 2026
Adventuring to Find Theology of Place
Be still and know that I am God! (Psalms 46:10 NRSCVE) Over the past two weeks, I have been intentionally striving to walk closer with God, focusing on having fun, being present, and listening to the whisper of His voice—to be still. The world is so loud, but it only disrupts our peace when we allow it to divert our attention from the Lord.
I have been praying to the Father, asking for His help in understanding and living out His Theology of Place. Robert’s blog, “More from Mojo,” this week does an excellent job articulating Theology of Place.
Robert’s writing in “Theology of Place: Taking Port William with You,” has influenced my definition and thinking. Robert has given me pause to contemplate the differences between presence and embodiment. Thank you, Robert!
Please visit his blog and pay special attention to the hopeful and mindful tone. Using his words, “We at Fish on Friday hope to resist, to challenge, by offering an alternative model. Family, faith, friendship, food, fun, festivals…” Wherever you find yourself, your mindset, your community, and your actions are all at the center of where God has called you. Then, at that center, the heart of all matters if you will, we hope that you build the greatest relationship of all with God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.
God is so good. He loves to have fun with his people. And the call is to have joy even through the trials and temptations of life. God is calling us to spiritually grow with Him in the physical place we are today. He is drawing us closer to Him if only we surrender a piece of our control. Yes, I long for the small-town feel of my youth. Yes, I long for the connections made week in and week out at church. And yes, as time goes on, I reject the world’s blinded movement towards technology, automation, convenience, and ease. But I want to be with God. And I want to be with God where I find myself now. I want to be with Him wherever he calls me to go.
Over the past few weeks, God has blessed me with many experiences that have enriched my life. I have planted a flower, visited the adoration chapels in Alpena and Gaylord, prayed at the Cross in the Woods, helped a friend, shared a meal with a friend, and been there for a friend in need. I have gone to Mass and confession. Some of these experiences have been challenging but all rewarding. Sometimes, I have felt unsure of what to say or uncomfortable in certain situations, but I have found comfort in trying to be loving and live love. God has moved in profound ways during these moments, shaking my soul, and shaping me into a saint he wants me to be. Praise be His name and all glory to Him because He is so patient with me.
I had the opportunity to attend Mass on the feast day of Bl. Father Casey at the Solanus Casey Center. The Center is a short 90-mile drive from East Lansing. I am not sure I could do justice with words to describe the beauty. The Center is part of the Archdiocese of Detroit and run by the Capuchin Franciscan Friars of the Province of St. Joseph. The building is architecturally beautiful and full of spiritually rich items from Blessed Casey’s life. Archbishop Edward J. Weisenburger delivered a beautiful homily honoring the hardships, sacrifices, and perseverance of Bl. Father Casey.
Bl. Father Casey, who grew up in Wisconsin, exemplifies living out his faith in the Lord during his struggles in seminary. Despite his challenges in learning German and Latin, God used him. In 1904, he was finally ordained as a simplex priest. Over time, Bl. Father Casey earned a reputation for healing and helping people. The graces he had from God brought people to him from all over the world. There are hundreds, even thousands, of documented cases where Bl. Father Casey healed the sick, offered hope to the destitute, and saved souls as an instrument of God Almighty. He was a shining example of humility and holiness. His story is a profound example of living theology of place.
Bl. Father Casey has also influenced my understanding of Theology of Place. His humility in the face of adversity stands as an example of living where the Lord has called. His joy amid hardship serves as an enduring example. His faith in the living God strengthens me.
My revised definition, from adventuring in Michigan, of Theology of Place is seeking virtuous people and places, learning to be an authentic friend—to lovingly live with grace, embody humility, and build community within God’s holy church where He calls me to be.
The more I focus on God, the happier I am. The more I find true and authentic friends, the more I find a community worth living in. The more I learn to listen to the pure loving whisper of God, the more the noise means less. I hope that you are able to quiet the world and listen to the words of God. As a good priest recently said, “God is not a coach, He is a father.” A coach corrects where a father loving teaches.
St. Augustine said last week, we are the times. We can be negative and distraught easily today looking around the world or we can be the light of positivity—a Christian light, a light to the entire world of embodying Christ Jesus. Go for a walk. Go outside. Take a deep breath and fish. God loves us. We truly belong to a good God. Our God reigns with love. Believe it and be still.
For Further Reflection:
1. Jimmy Mitchell. Let Beauty Speak: The Art of Being Human in a Culture of Noise.
2. Michael Crosby, OFM Cap. Blessed Solanus Casey.
3. Blessed Father Solanus Casey Center. https://www.solanuscasey.org
4. Archdiocese of Detroit. https://www.aod.org/blessed-solanus-casey
July 2, 2026