A young man was searching for a vocation in life and thought about the priesthood. He went to talk to an old parish priest who was loved by his community for his spiritual life. Our young person asked father: “How does a person know if they want to serve God?” The old friar looked into his eyes and with a loving, tender gaze said: “Are you generous?”
This shepherd when given a gift by a parishioner would give it away. If someone dropped off some food at the rectory, he would take it to the shelter. Someone donates some money to be used for a good cause, he would immediately give it to a family struggling to pay their bills.
Sometimes generosity not only comes with a check, but with how we spend time with one another. During this pandemic, people are under more stress than ever, from working extra hours to make up for shortages, to making the decision to be vaccinated to keep their neighbor and themselves safe. However, when we have a moment for ourselves, what would be helpful is an empathic ear, someone who knows “how to listen.”
This mentor, our best friend, a sister or brother, a buddy is where to whom we pour out our soul, our worries, our fears, the past bumps and bruises that we keep inside until we are ready to explode, or back down on our knees sobbing in tears with all the pain.
At that moment, I want you to listen to what God is saying to you. “The Father Loves You. The Father Loves You. The Father Loves You. Be Safe. All Will Be Well.” Then imagine God Our Father holding you in His Arms and saying: “Daddy Loves You.”
I listen everyday to the pain of others whose best friend committed suicide and they couldn’t convince their buddy not to go through this. The pain of parents whose young adult child overdosed from drugs. The pain of trying to juggle crazy work schedules, parenting kids and keeping our homes and spouses in check.
Exhausted from all the tension of the past two years, no time for church or prayer, let me suggest a simple prayer that takes a few second and listen to His Words: “The Father Loves You… The Father Loves You… The Father Loves You... Be Safe. All Will Be Well.” Then imagine God Our Father holding you in His Arms and saying: “Daddy Loves You.”
Lord, I pray for all my Sonshine Friends that they know this “shepherd” loves them all very much. God is listening and knows all your creaks and rattles and at this very moment close your eyes and imagine this. Our Heavenly Father is holding you in His arms and saying very tenderly: “Daddy Loves You…Daddy Loves You…Daddy Loves You…Be safe…All will be well.”
