Merry Christmas 2009
Merry Christmas
Once again we find ourselves in the Season of Christmas. For me, it is a time of reflection, to look back upon the year as it draws to a close. It is also a time when I try to recall all of the good things that the Lord has done for myself, my family and my friends. It is also a time for spiritual growth, a time to remember and give thanks to the Lord for all of the graces that he pours forth from his Most Sacred Heart.
When we think of Christmas, we are reminded of the Joys that we have been given. I have also learned this past week that Joy is also intertwined with sorrow. It ‘comes with the ticket’ so to speak. We laid to rest a friend on Christmas Eve day. Her birthday was on Christmas Day. Before she was called home, she had said that she wanted to be with Jesus on her birthday. What a precious gift to have!
Despite the sorrow that we all felt at this time, we celebrated her life, her life in Christ Jesus. She had shown us through example how God asks us to live. I have also learned that there are many forms of healing that the Lord bestows upon us. I know that Karen had brought such healing, as simple as they may be, to those whose lives she touched. During her funeral mass, I had prayed to the Lord that he would send his Holy Spirit upon us for comfort and consolation during this time. It was overcast with no sun that morning. During the homily, the Lord did send His Holy Spirit to us. The sun broke through the clouds briefly and shone very brightly through the stained glass window of the Holy Spirit’s descent on Pentecost to Mary and the Apostles. I saw the Joy return in this brief moment to Karen’s family and friends who saw this happen. Even in death, there is Joy and there is Life.
Peace
