“You have Him (God) always at your side.” (Saint Josemaría).
I have been praying for a dear one who is experiencing a terrible time.
This person, who I love, is caring for her husband who is gravely ill.
And I have been reflecting on her journey as I have been reflecting on what this is.
The other day at Mass, during his homily, an elderly Bishop, recounted a story of how he was addressed in the street. This bishop began his homily by explaining that in his ministry he often ministered to the sick at Saint Vincent’s hospital and he often ministered to the homeless at the Matthew Talbot centre.
One day, when he was walking on a street in the city, a man called out his name from across the street and said, “How are you?”
Now, the bishop had no idea who that man actually was, but he recalled something about the encounter that was terribly familiar to him. In fact, he experienced a familiarity from that passing man who he did not recall and who moved on very quickly straight after speaking to him.
Afterwards, upon reflection, this bishop considered that the man calling him was perhaps Christ Himself. He felt that Christ had called out to him that day using that man’s voice and he felt a closeness to God afterwards that he found difficult to put into words…
And I have been reflecting on that today, because Saint Josemaría said, “You have Him (God) always at your side.”
A few years ago, my car spontaneously caught fire. After a very short drive and without warning, after I had parked it at home in my driveway, my car started smoking and caught fire.
Being in shock (and inexperienced with car fires) I called my husband who immediately called the fire department and then I began to hose the car down with a garden hose. However – perhaps because I was in shock – I was unable to process how serious the situation was and I was also unable to stop the fire.
A man who must have been passing my home, saw me with my hose. He ran up the driveway, pushed me aside, grabbed the hose himself and told me to take cover in case the car exploded.
When the Fire Engine arrived the man disappeared and I never saw him again or even had the opportunity to thank him for what he did to help and protect me – placing himself in harm’s way for me, who was a stranger to him…
For me, that man was an angel in human form, who saved me and protected me… And I have been thinking about that today, because in “The Forge” at 306, Saint Josemaría said, “Put your head frequently round the oratory door to say to Jesus: I abandon myself into your arms. Leave everything you have – your wretchedness – at His feet. In this way, in spite of the welter of things you carry along behind you, you will never lose your peace.”
And I find great peace in that!
For with prayer, I stand on Holy Ground where everything is clear. Here. At the Foot of the Cross.
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