A Wednesday Surprise (02/20/2026)
- Dr. Kate Wiskus
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
Wednesday evening, I went to Ash Wednesday Mass. All the students in 1st-10th grade were in attendance along with many of their parents. As I left the church, I felt a hand on my shoulder. Before I could turn around to see who it was, I felt another hand on my other shoulder. And then I heard, “Group hug.” And I found myself in the center of a hug like I’ve never experienced. What a Wednesday surprise!
As we separated from our hug, I heard, “We love you.” “We’re so sorry for loss.” “We missed you.” We are glad you’re back with us.”
The spontaneity of the hug was priceless; I will always remember it. The community embraced me and carried my cross with me for a bit. Then the students and adults walked with me to faith formation class.
That evening as I pondered the day, I thanked the LORD for those wonderful parents and students who gave me that group hug. They’d missed me when I was away trying to help my brother and his family during his illness. They’d heard my brother had died. They’d been praying for him and for me and for our family. I thanked the LORD for the experience of a true Christian community. And I prayed that I would be able to do the same for others in the future.
The first reading for today from the Prophet Isaiah speaks to us of how we are called to express our love for the LORD whom we can’t see by caring for our sisters and brothers we can see. The LORD tells us through the prophet that when we do that, “Then you shall call, and the LORD will answer, you shall cry for help, and he will say: Here I am!”
Wednesday evening, I felt loved and cared for by those who encircled me and joined in the group hug. And Wednesday evening, I also felt the presence of the LORD. He was there with us, in us, and among us. It was powerful.
As we continue our Lenten journeys of faith, hope and love let us focus on the love part that fuels the other two. Let us focus on our love of the LORD and seek daily to turn and return to the LORD fully and wholly. Let us focus on our sisters and brothers and their needs during this Lenten Season. Let us focus on Christ’s commandment: “Love one another as I have loved you.” I’ve experienced the greatness of that kind of love. It’s unforgettable.
Until tomorrow, let us all love well.