Our Small, Big World (03/16/2024)

I sat down to watch the news before going to fetch my friend for dinner. I must admit, it wasn’t affirming or comforting. I only caught a few of the headlines, but they all pointed to our global and national divisions. I put on my coat and tried to shake it off. My time with my friend was so affirming, so genuine. I found myself wishing that authenticity was a requirement in the public sector.

As we were getting ready to leave, I stood to put on my coat and the folks at the table behind me engaged in a conversation. I knew them well; I’d taught their daughter in faith formation. They were telling me about her when suddenly the man shared that he had cancer again. He shared the details. I listened.

Then I took out my personal pocket cross, put it in his hand, and told him that as a cancer survivor I know how it can seem to be a lonely walk. I pointed to the Father and Spirit on the crucifix behind Jesus and said, “Even Jesus felt alone. He asked, ‘Why have you forsaken me?’ But he wasn’t alone. And neither are You. The LORD is with you always. And the one who gives you this crucifix is with you. You are in my prayers, on my mind, and in my heart. Let me know how I can help you.” We hugged.

Before I went to bed, I brought this man to the LORD, as I’d promised. I thanked the LORD, too, for reminding me that the “big world” is a façade that melts away when we see the other in front of us. I thanked the LORD for the opportunity to walk with another for a bit and how it reminded me of those who walk with me. And I gave thanks for my many loving companions.  

As we continue our Lenten journeys to the empty tomb, let us daily remember our Savior who died for each and every one of us, who unites us as His sisters and brothers, as daughters and sons of the Heavenly Father, who gives us the Spirit to guide us and grace us for our essential relationships in this life. Let us commit, too, to seeing the other always. Let us work to proclaim our living and loving LORD through our words and through our actions regardless of where we are because wherever we are we know that it is in the LORD that “we live and move and have our being.”

The world can seem big but let us not buy into the “impersonal” approach to life. Let us remain open to the LORD’s guidance and gifts which have a habit of coming in the most unusual places and ways.

Until tomorrow, let us all love well.