Oh so many years ago, she was baptised in this church, just days before her marriage was convalidated. From then on, much water has flowed under this bridge, and if there were time enough to tell and to listen, the details would fill story books.
Now, she sits in her room, alone. Her husband has long been departed this world, and her children live in other locales. Her physical sight has been taken from her, but she is still very insightful, in ways that could teach lessons to the rest of us.
A few months ago, she received a gift which she was told had arrived from the people of this congregation. With a sense of wonder, she puzzled over such questions as How did they find me? and Why have they given me a gift? When I first heard these, I couldn't help thinking that every one of us reacts in this way when we realize the gifts given by a gracious and loving God. The thing is that this lady continues to puzzle over the answers to these questions, even as she continues to be skeptical about whether or not it its all true, and whether or not we will forget about her once again.
Conversations ensued, and she revealed the fact that although she had been baptised and had her marriage recognized by the Church, she had never pursued any of the other sacraments of the Church ... believing that she had no right to ask. Thankfully, this is not true, and having heard of her plight, we arranged to follow up. The result: she was Confirmed and received the gift of the Eucharist today (at age 89). Her son was pleased to be present for this moment of celebration, as were we all!
Now, the questions remain for this one who lives in physical darkness but who continues to enlighten those around her with her wisdom. Will they forget about me now? We could almost see the question etched on her face. Answer: we'll do our best not to, and certainly God has never forgotten about her. We may never understand why she's had to live so long without this moment of celebration, and many of us may continue to wonder at the questioning she has entertained over the passing years, but today we celebrate with her.
Hopefully we will continue the celebration for a long time to come.
Now, she sits in her room, alone. Her husband has long been departed this world, and her children live in other locales. Her physical sight has been taken from her, but she is still very insightful, in ways that could teach lessons to the rest of us.
A few months ago, she received a gift which she was told had arrived from the people of this congregation. With a sense of wonder, she puzzled over such questions as How did they find me? and Why have they given me a gift? When I first heard these, I couldn't help thinking that every one of us reacts in this way when we realize the gifts given by a gracious and loving God. The thing is that this lady continues to puzzle over the answers to these questions, even as she continues to be skeptical about whether or not it its all true, and whether or not we will forget about her once again.
Conversations ensued, and she revealed the fact that although she had been baptised and had her marriage recognized by the Church, she had never pursued any of the other sacraments of the Church ... believing that she had no right to ask. Thankfully, this is not true, and having heard of her plight, we arranged to follow up. The result: she was Confirmed and received the gift of the Eucharist today (at age 89). Her son was pleased to be present for this moment of celebration, as were we all!
Now, the questions remain for this one who lives in physical darkness but who continues to enlighten those around her with her wisdom. Will they forget about me now? We could almost see the question etched on her face. Answer: we'll do our best not to, and certainly God has never forgotten about her. We may never understand why she's had to live so long without this moment of celebration, and many of us may continue to wonder at the questioning she has entertained over the passing years, but today we celebrate with her.
Hopefully we will continue the celebration for a long time to come.
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