Who'se life will you touch?

A knock at the door summoned me to a chance encounter today (if you believe in such things).

The person waiting was holding a brown scapular, and although she wasn't sure what it was, she knew what she wanted me to do with it. Her nephew is scheduled to leave with the Canadian Forces on Monday for Afghanistan and she wants to present this to him before he goes.

The brown scapular is a tangible sign of the presence of others who pray, in this case for the safety of the one who is called into combat, and for his or her safe return. This scapular has existed for many centuries in the traditon of the Church, as an accepted sign of love for the Blessed Virgin Mary, of the trust her children have in her, and of our commitment to live like her.

In a world where many seem to be neglecting the traditions of the Church in favor of modern-day conveniences like television, movies and other forms of entertainment, a gesture of trust and love for the Virgin is itself a sign that faith continues, that we do indeed need these symbols to remind us of the simple truth of God's abiding love and protection for us all.