Let Jesus Fill the Void
A few years ago, after I celebrated Mass at a retirement home, I met an elderly resident—a woman. We introduced ourselves to each other, and as I spoke with the woman, she shared with me that she spends her time waiting for her children to come and visit her. Thinking that her children lived in the area and visited frequently, I inquired when they would be arriving.
The little old woman said, “Father, my children are far away. One child lives in Wisconsin, and the other child moved to Milwaukee. I am alone here, but they come and visit me twice a year: once at Christmas, and again at Easter.” Full of love for her children, this elderly lady was not resentful that she was alone. She was not embittered that her children lived far away. She prays for her children every day.
Faith is a personal choice.
In our busy lives, during our weekly activities, it is important to remember about these different kinds of prayer throughout the day and feel free to use these different forms when communicating with God. You might discover that maybe one day you meet with God through the prayer of gesture. Another day you might speak with Him through your thoughts. God is happy with every kind of prayer. He is happy with every kind of prayer because everything that is great in this world comes from Him; everything that is great in this world is born of sacrifice and prayer.
This Sunday, I would like to tell you: Do not be afraid! Do not be afraid of the loneliness that you experience. Do not be afraid of your weaknesses.
Do not be afraid of the ways in which you are deaf, blind, mute, or trapped within yourselves. Instead, ask Jesus to come to you. Ask Jesus to enter your heart and fill the loneliness. Beg Him to open the eyes, the ears, and the tongue of your hearts so that you may see God in and reach out to others. Jesus is merciful, and with the greatest joy He is waiting to heal you. As the Prophet Isaiah said to those whose hearts are frightened: “Be strong, fear not! Here is your God. He comes to save you.” Have faith! In this Eucharist Jesus comes to save you.
Yours in Christ,
Father Arthur
Readings for the Twenty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time: Lectionary 128
Tags: #fatherarthurmarat, #olw, #olwparish, #ourladyofthewayside, #reflection
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