A Mark (11/03/2023)

Yesterday, after I posted my blog, I went to fetch my paper which itself often proves to be an adventure. Yesterday, however, I found it almost immediately. As I walked across the drive to retrieve it, an image on the ground caught my eye, the perfect imprint of a fall maple leaf. I stopped and marveled at it for its beauty and its unexpected location. And it made me think immediately of the people I’d just written about whose lives and loves left a mark in the world, a mark on my heart.

Christ’s incarnation, life, teaching, example, passion and death all for our salvation and for love of the Father and us, left a mark. He and his life and death and resurrection changed the trajectory of humanity. And we who follow in his footsteps, if we truly do, are bound to leave a mark, as well, for love is like that.

I took a photo of the leaf image, and I sat and reflected on it for the longest time, savoring “the mark” made by my loved ones who have passed and are with the LORD, I believe. I thought of their guidance, their example, their wisdom, their humor, but most especially their love. They were not perfect, but their love was powerful. As I looked at that leaf, I realized I am who I am because of the LORD’s grace and because of my companions along the way.

And it got me to wondering what “mark” will I leave? Will it be one of loving kindness, of gifts used, of presence, of fortitude or will it be one less positive, less loving? I prayed to the LORD for guidance and for the gift of cooperation because I realized that the LORD had created me as “gift.” I prayed that the Spirit would help me to unwrap who the LORD created so as to reveal what the LORD desires to the glory and honor of the LORD.

One of the joys of the month of November and remembering those who have come before us is drawing upon their example but also their help. We believe in the communion of saints that joins us here on earth, “saints in the making” with those who have realized that goal, the saints around the heavenly throne.

I thought about my patron saint, St. Catherine of Siena, a very interesting woman, not perfect by any means, but one who loved the LORD fiercely. I sought her intercession yesterday along with that of our blessed Mother, two women who have modeled for me a life centered on Christ, for help in leaving “the mark” I was created to leave, one in which Christ is present and visible.

Until tomorrow, let us all love well.