I love this gospel reading from Luke. “Your faith has saved you. Go in peace.” I pray those are the words I will hear when I enter eternity. This gospel reading is filled with hope for all sinners.
While I believe God is very much a just God and reprimands us, gives us lessons for our good, like any loving father would, I also believe He is merciful. Sometimes, perhaps even more merciful than we deserve. I have written about God’s mercy before, so I will not dive too much into that today.
Do Not Miss It
This reading made me think of something interesting that happened to me this weekend at Mass. The message I hope you learn from it is, do not miss what God is doing. God can use the oddest situations for His glory. If we are not paying attention, we may miss something very special.
Our new little kindergartener had her first Sunday school class followed by Mass. This particular child takes a little longer to sit quietly and still through Mass than her siblings before her. So, I suspected the class, added to Mass, was going to be a challenge.
Sure enough, by the homily, she was squirming and hungry. I took her to the back so we would not disturb our older children and the folks around us. Not long after that, we were all the way outside. A woman walked out crying and I inquired if she was okay. I will not get into the details for privacy’s sake, but she is carrying a very heavy cross. I listened as she shared with me, and I offered what words of encouragement I could. We shared a moment that will stay with me always.
Keep Watch
I texted with one of our adult daughters that night and told her to keep watch. Do not miss how God may use you. I wanted to be upset at our naughty child, but I knew better. God put me right where I needed to be that day. He truly works in mysterious ways.
He forgives the most horrible sins. He loves us even in our shortcomings. He even uses naughty children for His glory.
God be praised. In your charity, remember a hurting mother when you pray today.
We just never know. I agree that we have to be attentive to God’s movement in your lives. When I meet someone unexpectedly I almost always ask myself, “Why am I meeting this person?” I then keep it simple and listen for a reason. Many times there is indeed a very good reason that I otherwise would have missed. Thank you for your reflection
I hope I get to meet you in real life someday, Jerry! God bless.