Yesterday, as often, our pastor led us out the doors of our church and into the streets of town with a Eucharistic Procession after Mass.
This particular day, my son Jacob, 14, had the great privilege and honor of being the Cross-bearer and leading us through the streets.
Just behind our pastor and Our Lord in His Holy Presence, was one of our best friends, Mr. G. who was carrying the procession flag or banner (sorry I do not have a proper Liturgical term for this item)...and just behind him...were myself and two of my sweet little daughters; Mary Clare, who is 7 and currently preparing for her First Reconciliation, and Sarah, 6, who was thrilled to be "taking a walk with Jesus".
I was overwhelmed with JOY at being SOOOOOOO close to the Savior.
As we passed by pedestrians, traffic at red lights, and people coming and going at convenience stores, I prayed for each of them; that the sight of JESUS in the streets would somehow move their hearts closer toward God...especially, the unbelievers.
Father J., our pastor, will usually stop at least 3 times during a Eucharistic Procession...he turns toward us and lifts Our Lord on high...and of course...no matter where we are at that moment...be it the sidewalk or the black top of the Sheetz parking lot...when he turns the Blessed Sacrament to face us... WE KNEEL.
During one of our kneeling moments of Adoration, a group of teenage boys who were across the street on bicycles began to laugh and jeer and mock us. My prayers increased and grew more intense as I begged God to help them SEE HIS SON and come to believe in HIS TRUE PHYSICAL PRESENCE.
Behind me, I could hear my husband's beautiful voice, singing and praying the rosary with us. I could hear my daughter Laura's voice too...She is 16, and I noticed that her voice became just a little more pronounced as we passed the laughing boys..."Thank you, Lord", I prayed. "Thank you, for giving her courage and the grace to NOT be ashamed of YOU".
Later, at home, a few of my kids asked if I had noticed the boys. I told them I did and that I had prayed for them. Little Mary Clare wondered aloud why they would make fun of Jesus and I explained, as gently as I could, that they do not KNOW that Jesus was truly there.
I am so glad and grateful that my children knew it...and believed it...and humbly followed their Savior through the streets...led by their own brother...on a beautiful sunny Sunday afternoon.
WE BELIEVE and WE BEG PARDON FOR ALL OF THOSE WHO DO NOT BELIEVE.
Showing posts with label graces and blessings. Show all posts
Showing posts with label graces and blessings. Show all posts
Monday, October 17, 2011
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Cherishing the Faith Until the End
When we realize that someone who is dear to us is nearing the end of their time on earth, every moment we spend with them becomes all the more special.
My own dear father has been suffering with grave illness for the past five or so years.
Many the time, we have thought him to be in his last hours and have headed to his bedside, only to watch the grace of God spare him and lift him to his feet once more.
Such was the situation this past week. And, after his return from the hospital, I was treated to a wonderful visit with him and my mother...my husband stayed home with the children and I was able to go with my brother and his wife and enjoy two days with my parents; talking, discussing, praying, reminiscing.
As we were sitting quietly in the living room at the end of the first day, my Dad began to talk about the Latin Mass and how he misses it so.
My dad is 83 years old, and as I've said, has had severe health issues. Sometimes, his speech becomes slurred and one can barely understand what he is saying.
And yet...
And yet...the beautiful Catholic Mass and Faith which he holds so dear to his heart remains with him.
We listened, as this beautiful man, in his humble way, began to recite the Mass, from memory, IN LATIN!
He went on to pray the Our Father in Latin.
Then, in English, the Hail Holy Queen.
This man, who was, only days ago in an MRI, looking for signs of a stroke, could somehow still remember the words to these beautiful devotions and prayers and was lifting up his tired, old voice to heaven; thanking God, for the beauty of his Catholic Faith.
I thought of my own children. I knew what a cherished memory I was being given in these moments...one I will never forget and one I will think of, often, when the time comes to say goodbye to my beloved Dad.
I asked God then, to inspire my children with the same love of the Faith that my father has carried on to his golden years from his childhood.
I hope that they too, will continue to recall the devotions and prayers and traditions that my husband and I share with them now, as they are growing in their Faith.
I hope that they will embrace and live it when they are on their own; sharing it with others; perhaps their own children some day.
Ours is a beautiful Faith...The Catholic Faith.
And listening to my father pray in Latin was as good as hearing a symphony of Mozart.
It was music to my ears. And, I'm sure, it was music that went straight to HEAVEN.
I am happy to be a part of this new blogging community! I look froward to sharing and learning and growing closer to Christ in the beautiful Catholic Faith with all who write here and visit here! God bless each and all of you this day!
My own dear father has been suffering with grave illness for the past five or so years.
Many the time, we have thought him to be in his last hours and have headed to his bedside, only to watch the grace of God spare him and lift him to his feet once more.
Such was the situation this past week. And, after his return from the hospital, I was treated to a wonderful visit with him and my mother...my husband stayed home with the children and I was able to go with my brother and his wife and enjoy two days with my parents; talking, discussing, praying, reminiscing.
As we were sitting quietly in the living room at the end of the first day, my Dad began to talk about the Latin Mass and how he misses it so.
My dad is 83 years old, and as I've said, has had severe health issues. Sometimes, his speech becomes slurred and one can barely understand what he is saying.
And yet...
And yet...the beautiful Catholic Mass and Faith which he holds so dear to his heart remains with him.
We listened, as this beautiful man, in his humble way, began to recite the Mass, from memory, IN LATIN!
He went on to pray the Our Father in Latin.
Then, in English, the Hail Holy Queen.
This man, who was, only days ago in an MRI, looking for signs of a stroke, could somehow still remember the words to these beautiful devotions and prayers and was lifting up his tired, old voice to heaven; thanking God, for the beauty of his Catholic Faith.
I thought of my own children. I knew what a cherished memory I was being given in these moments...one I will never forget and one I will think of, often, when the time comes to say goodbye to my beloved Dad.
I asked God then, to inspire my children with the same love of the Faith that my father has carried on to his golden years from his childhood.
I hope that they too, will continue to recall the devotions and prayers and traditions that my husband and I share with them now, as they are growing in their Faith.
I hope that they will embrace and live it when they are on their own; sharing it with others; perhaps their own children some day.
Ours is a beautiful Faith...The Catholic Faith.
And listening to my father pray in Latin was as good as hearing a symphony of Mozart.
It was music to my ears. And, I'm sure, it was music that went straight to HEAVEN.
I am happy to be a part of this new blogging community! I look froward to sharing and learning and growing closer to Christ in the beautiful Catholic Faith with all who write here and visit here! God bless each and all of you this day!
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