Keeping the Faith
My brother passed away on Holy Saturday last week and my mother passed away on Christmas Eve 2004. Without faith, the time to rejoice in the Death, Resurrection and Birth of Jesus would be lost to sadness and depression. Instead, I write of the joy that I can find in knowing that two people of faith who suffered in life, are not suffering any more. I rejoice believing that I will see them again. That is what I profess nearly every Sunday…our BELIEFS in the faith.
I can rejoice in knowing that I was able to say goodbye and let go of my mother when she was ready to go Home to be with the Father. I can stop crying long enough to smile at the thought that I made amends with my brother last summer and played a part in reconciling him with his estranged 24-year-old son.
As I walk a dear friend closer to the faith that brought me into a deeper relationship with Jesus, I can state emphatically that I CAN DO ALL THINGS THROUGH JESUS CHRIST, who is present in the Eucharist and WHO STRENGTHENS ME. The power of the Eucharist is more powerful than grief. It’s more powerful than regret. When you turn it over to God, you just feel better.
I can say this absolutely because, I went to church for Midnight Mass and Christmas services when my mom died; and I celebrated the Easter Vigil, too. Don’t get me wrong, there were tears of sadness amidst tears of joy. I just wanted to share that the key for me is keeping the faith. With that, I know I may fall, but I will get up.
It’s the same faith, through the power of the Holy Spirit, that allowed Aquinas Institute of Theology to touch the life of a young teenager suffering with a rare viral infection that has her paralyzed. Because I continue to work to integrate what I learn in school with my parish youth ministry, I was touched by a story of faith, hope and love.
Our Teen Ministry learned the Rosary during Lent with an elder of the church. This elder’s daughter came to me and shared how the exercise touched her and allowed her to focus more deeply on her prayer life and to direct her prayers toward a couple’s daughter. I had tears in my eyes when she shared how being with the teens touched her and helped her to remember that when we no longer have earthly remedies available, we always have prayer.
Prayer. It was the Our Father that connected with my mother when nothing else could. My nephew shared in a Prayer of Salvation with my brother. And I believe prayer is why that paralyzed teen is showing improvement. The Lord works miracles for the faithful.
I pray that this Easter Season brings you closer still to God. I truly believe that’s all He wants.