A Darker Night
A Stranger Among You
"Look at me. Did you notice me today? I was someone new in your church---someone who had been away for a long time. You shook my hand and smiled at the 'sign of Peace' time. But later after church---no one stopped to say 'Hello, I have not seen you before.' No one welcomed me back or even noticed that for some reason I had not been able to attend Mass like before. No one. But Jesus noticed, and He smiled and sent me His love---saying--'I understand, they don't see Me either.' How sad no one saw me or Jesus in me today."
Recently I was blessed with the gift of giving a parishoner a ride to church--to come to Mass and get to go to Confession. She had become blind and was unable to drive anymore, and was homebound for some time. A faithful member of that church for years--I thought surely many would come by and give her a wonderful welcome and words of joy at seeing her again. Not so, after Mass, only the priest and the organist I waved over greeted her. The organist was thrilled at her sight and gave a huge smile and cry "Oh it is so good to see you."
This truly saddened me that others just walked by. We miss so many opportunities to evangelize by simply saying "HELLO--I don't remember seeing you before." Maybe it is someone wanting to come and learn more about the faith. Maybe it is someone returning home and will be discouraged when no one welcomes them back. For whatever reason the stranger has graced our church---NOTICE THE FACE AND WELCOME THEM!!
Remember His words----"I was a stranger and you did not take Me in" Matthew 25:43
Recommended Stories
About the Author
Born the youngest of nine children, raised VERY Catholic across the street from our church and school—Mom and Dad led by example and word their FAITH in God and saw to it that I was given 12 years of Catholic Education. (Mount St. Mary’s Academy/1965)
But, most importantly, because of my parents’ spiritual renewal after attending Cursillo Weekends, I too went on a retreat at our beloved Subiaco Abbey in Arkansas and there, at age 20, gave my life totally, surrendering all to my Lord and best Friend. This was my “Pentecostal” event that left me, like all the early Christians, on fire with God’s love and forever changed.
My husband Robert and I have been married for 50 this year in a marriage arranged by God. We have 8 children, two in heaven, 24 grandchildren, and 15 great-grandchildren. The story of our life together can be found in a book titled “My Journey, My Cross-As the Journals End,” published by Westbow Press . Our life together has been one awesome up and down roller coaster ride which enriched my heart with so many of the gifts of the Holy Spirit. I have found that the only way, Wisdom, Understanding, Words of Knowledge, Discernment, and Healing can be received is first by experiencing in your life the hurts of others. (and you yourself a sword will pierce)* so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.” Luke 2 v 35.
God has blessed me also many other talents and skills--but sometimes, blessings/gifts can and have caused problems or conflict in my life, as I am human and all too quickly that part of me shows up. Thank You God that You also show up!
Because of the many ways that He has rescued me, and taught me through my trials and tribulations and continuous cries for “Help”--- a weekly podcast radio show called “It’s Me, God” can still be found on www.radiotitans.com
