A sneak-peek inside God Moments II: Recognizing the Fruits of the Holy Spirit, available October 1, 2011 from Joseph Karl Publishing.
From Chapter 4 ~ GentlenessCatholic Outreach
We are on call every moment of every day.
One morning I enjoyed a working breakfast at my favorite coffee shop. Shortly after I arrived, a woman sat town at the next table and said hello. She reminded me what her name is and remarked that we had met once before, right there at that same spot. I remembered her. Just as she did during our initial encounter, she sipped her drink and read the paper while I did some work before holy Mass.
Just before it was time to leave, I was worked diligently to finish an article when my new friend turned to me and began speaking. She had something on her heart and had to share the significance of the occasion with someone.
My new friend proceeded to tell me that her son was leaving that morning for Ireland to start a new job, and he would possibly remain there for two years. Very soon she was going to pick him up and drive him to the airport. As mothers of sons, we shared a mutual understanding of what such a moment means to a mother.
She was so happy for her son, and yet it was clear she would miss him terribly. What a wonderful mother. How blessed he is to have such a loving mother.
I encouraged her to turn throughout the morning to our Lady, who knows very well the sorrows of a mother's heart. She, too, was separated from her Son. My friend sat quietly for a moment.
Then she asked me where I go to church. I told her.
I asked if she planned to visit Ireland during her son's stay there. She described with gratitude what has been a wonderful life, which included traveling with her husband all over the world. Then she said that she and her husband would have to travel to Ireland to visit their son separately, because someone had to remain home to care for their other son. Usually when they traveled, the son she was taking to the airport took care of his brother while their parents were away.
Then, she shared another story.
When her oldest son was born, he was so beautiful. She shared the joy of his years growing up and described his achievements, most notably as a young adult. His life was filled with achievements and held such promise for the future. Then, when he was in his early twenties things changed, and the entire family suffered tremendously. How much they love him! That son was diagnosed with schizophrenia.
I shared her sorrow and explained that my family also suffered in a similar way. As I packed up my things, we spoke of our many years of suffering.
Our conversation was less than ten minutes long. Just before I left, the woman added one final thought. She told me that she was raised Catholic. I asked her if she made her First Communion, and she replied with a smile on her face that she had.
As we parted ways, her final comment was, "Perhaps I will go back."
I replied with a big grin, "You should!" There, we find and receive Jesus truly present Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity, in the Eucharist.
How many opportunities we have to practice Catholic outreach. How many times we can share the love of Christ with others. He sends His beloved to us and we are to guide them, lovingly, to His Precious Body and Blood, for He is our spiritual food and the source of life and love. “’God is Love’ and love is his first gift, containing all others.” 16
On the way to Mass I could not help but think that it was my tremendous suffering that led me right into the arms of Christ. Perhaps this woman's struggles and pain have led to her thinking about returning to the immense and infinite love of God in the church founded by Jesus Christ, the One Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church.
Amazing to think that the greatest suffering of our lives leads us to Jesus. How humbling to consider that He is willing to make use of us as instruments of love in His plan of salvation, through our presence in the lives of each other. He can, does, and will make good come out of any situation. That's Mercy. That's our Jesus! We are on call every moment of every day. Witness His great love and mercy to all those you encounter.
Michele Elena Bondi
From the back cover of God Moments II:
In the sequel to God Moments: Stories That Inspire, Moments to Remember, Catholic authors, pro-life advocates, bloggers, home educators, a radio show host, speakers, a Marian Catechist, and publishers join author Michele Elena Bondi in sharing their encounters with the Divine through stories which encourage you to recognize the Holy Spirit working within you and through you. Experience the inspiring God Moments of Nancy Carabio Belanger, Belinda Bondi, Andre J. Bottesi, Rejeanne Buckley, Chris Capolino, Sharon Cecil, Maribeth Criscenti, Ellen Gable Hrkach, Gene X. Kortsha, Janet MacKinnon, Tom Mulcahy, Sean McVeigh, Paul A. Ray, Susan Schoenstein, and Jerry Weber.
May God Moments: Recognizing the Fruits of the Holy Spirit create a greater awareness of God’s unfathomable love for you and for every person, increase your understanding of the meaning and purpose of your life, and inspire you to greater virtue and deeper surrender to God.
Available October 1, 2011
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God Moments II cover copyright 2011 Joseph Karl Publishing. Cover design by award-winning graphic designer Roseann Nieman of Niemanart Graphics. www.niemanartgraphics.com