God is so good
God is so good! I have been amazed by so much this week because I have witnessed the power of the Lord.
On Wednesday night, my Godson was involved in a bad car accident. A young woman, while changing lanes, struck his vehicle with such force that she flipped her vehicle over three times, the windows in the van that he was driving shattered, and he lost control of the car and drove head-on into a tree. The miracle was that both drivers WALKED AWAY with only scratches. My Godson has Sickle Cell Disease and the stress of the accident alone could have sent him into a Sickle Cell crisis; let alone the risk of death from an accident like that. He could have died that night, but he’s still alive! He must still have some unfinished business (as must the young woman).
Obviously emotional about that incident, I went to Mass the next morning at work and was surprised to see a married couple that I know from the parish coming to Daily Mass. It was a nice surprise until I realized it was the holidays and they might be mourning the loss of their oldest son, who died this summer. I decided to offer up a prayer for myself and my family and all who are mourning during this season (my mother passed away one year ago this month on Christmas Eve).
During Mass, though, the couple shared that December 15th would have been their son’s birthday. It turned out to be a very emotional day for me. I told them both what a powerful witness to their faith and the healing power of Jesus that, rather than doing something self-destructive, they went to the Eucharist. The feeling of COMMUNITY/COMMUNION was so powerful that morning as we all ministered to one another–us to them and them to us. We also reflected about the healing power of tears and crying. I told the father/husband that “There’s no point in being so strong that you’re too weak to lean on Jesus.”
I finished off the night by attending the North Deanery Penance Service at St. Matthew’s Parish. It’s hard for me to describe how powerful and healing that evening was for me. As I examined my conscience I realize why it’s important to go to reconciliation more often (if for no other reason than you’re bound to forget all of those sins you’ve committed if you wait too long).
Their’s healing in forgiveness beyond words. God’s love is all around us if we just take the time to receive it.
May you have a blessed and safe Christmas and New Year. See you at the new school! Praise God.