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When I was maybe ten years old, my mom called me from her work down at City Hall and said, “Amy, there’s an elderly women down the street whose husband passed away. She needs help going through his things, so I need you to go down and help her.”
I was a bit shocked by this request. I had no clue who this lady was and going to her home to help her go through her husband’s things was not my idea of a good time on a summer day. But, I obeyed my mom and went.
When I got to her house at the end of the road, I was invited into the dark house. I recognized the lady but I didn’t really know her. Still, we set about going into her husband’s room to clear things out.
She needed me to lift a few boxes and such, but, even at my young age, I knew I was there to be a companion during this difficult time. We’d go through a drawer, she’d tell me a story about some knick-knack in it, and then she’d cry.
I didn’t know really what to say or how to help her, but I knew why my mom sent me and I was no longer upset that I had given up a summer day to be with this neighbor.
After a few hours, we finished up and she hugged me goodbye and that’s the last I ever saw of her. It’s odd to think that I spent a whole day with some woman whose name I don’t know and whose face I would never be able to recognize. Not to mention, I helped her with a very intimate and difficult chore.
I have often thought about her. I wondered why she didn’t have any children to help her or a friend. How did I get called to the job? I asked my mom. “I think she called down to City Hall looking for help or maybe it was the church, I don’t remember, but she said she needed help and so I sent you.”
As a grown woman now, I find it a bit devastating that someone had so few people in their life that they had to call City Hall for help. Imagine that kind of desire for human connection.
In our Gospel reading today from Luke 14:12-14, Jesus asks us to reach out to those who can offer us nothing in return. There are many, so many, out there, Catholic Pilgrims, that need us, if for nothing more than a sign that we care about them. I pray we look for ways to be that person to someone else.
Have a blessed Monday.
My philosophy class at K-State was not so much a philosophy class as it was a Liberal Ideology 101 class. Most of the time was spent having various liberal groups on campus come in and try to persuade us to their side. It was very irritating, because that was not what I signed up for. It caused the professor and me to not be on friendly terms. He punished me, of course, by giving me bad grades and calling me out in class, but I really didn't care. I was the only one in class that ever spoke up and tried to debate against the messages that we were being force fed. It was a very isolating feeling because it felt like me against the world. Yet, it never failed that after each class, other students would come up to me and thank me for speaking up and they would tell me that they agreed with me. They were just too nervous to speak up. However, if I had to be the only one, though, so be it. I learned through that class that speaking the truth can be scary sometimes. You will be punished. You will be hated. Sometimes it will seem like you are all by yourself on an island. But, there are hordes behind you that just aren't as vocal. Here we are 25 years after 9/11 and, for a short period after, we were so united as a country. Suffering often does that, as crazy as that is. Which is why, I think the forces against this country saw that they needed to get to work right away causing division, because that fateful day made us come together in a way I've never seen in my lifetime. Those opposed to us panicked and set to work immediately to try to break the bond that had been created in Americans that actually love this country. They have succeeded in some ways, because we are fractured. All the noise makes us despair and feel hopeless, like all is lost. Yet, praying about this yesterday, I realized that the loudmouths will always seem like they are winning the day and maybe in some areas they are. But there are, also, sane, solo voices out there and behind them are hordes of sane, loyal, patriotic people who just aren't as vocal. Just like in my philosophy class. The loudmouths will always get more attention and make things seem skewed, just like my class. In honor of those that lost their lives on 9/11, may we live our lives with courage, virtue, honor, intelligence, loyalty and faithfulness. Not all is lost. We will never forget. God bless America.
Continue ReadingThis was probably the coolest picture that was sent to me for the small-town showcase back in February. It's also probably the most remote church. It doesn't even really sit in a town, from what I can tell. Mt. Carmel Catholic Church is in North Dakota and it sits nearly on the border of the US and Canada. Information is hard to find on this church, but it looks like it was dedicated and completed in 1953. It also looks to be not in use anymore because of structural concerns, though there is a historical society fighting for its preservation. I've never been to North Dakota, but last year I read a book called, "Giants of the Earth" and I gained a new appreciation for the pioneers that settled in the Dakotas. It took a special kind of person to brave that part of the country and try to tame it. I'm not sure I'm that special kind of person. I can handle Kansas winters, but I'm pretty sure I'd wimp out if I was enduring a North Dakota winter. I'd say if you are ever up at the tippity-top of the country stop in, but I don't think that's possible anymore. It's kind of out there and not operational. I do hope that the historical society is able to find a way to preserve this building. It's an important part of our country's history. Have a great day, Catholic Pilgrims, and live the faith boldly and travel well.
Continue ReadingIf you are off today on this Labor Day, Catholic Pilgrims, may I offer a movie suggestion? Yesterday, my family watched, "Going My Way," starring Bing Crosby as Father Chuck O'Malley and Barry Fitzgerald as Father Fitzgibbon. This movie was made in 1938 by Universal. Can you imagine that? Father Fitzgibbon is an older priest struggling to keep up with all the demands of a parish and, also, to find the funds to clear the church's mortgage. The bishop sends Fr. O'Malley to take over, but Fr. O'Malley doesn't want to just barge in and push the older priest out. At first, Fr. Fitzgibbon wants the bishop to transfer Fr. O'Malley, because they approach issues differently, but over time they develop a heart-warming bond. While this movie is slow-paced and has very little action, it is a story about connections and saving people's dignity. The ending, which I won't give away, is absolutely endearing. Fr. O'Malley is an example of how to go into a place and make changes without bulldozing everyone around you. He does it with cleverness, gentleness, and patience. You will also get some wonderful Bing Crosby singing, as well. My grandmother and mother used to sing "Swinging on a Star" to me when I was young and I sang it to my babies, but I never knew it came from this movie. There is a sequel to this movie, "The Bells of St. Mary's," which we plan to watch. I would definitely recommend this one. Even my 12-year old son liked it and he usually turns his nose up to black and whites. Oh, the ending! 🥹 Have a beautiful Labor Day, Catholic Pilgrims.
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