Reanna slowly lowered herself to her knees and tried to pray. She really wanted to pray, she really needed to pray, but she was completely without words. It had been a bad week. It had been a bad year. Her scarred heart pumped without joy or hope. She looked up at the altar and her eyes focused on the burning candle. She studied the flame. It was beautiful. She remembered younger days when the Light of Christ was easier for her to carry. She again struggled to find words to pray, and then she whispered just two, “Help me.”
She closed her eyes and watched the light of her own candle become very, very small. She convinced herself that her trials were too strong. She had nothing left to give. She was done.
She was almost completely in the dark when she noticed another light coming towards her. The light joined Reanna’s and it became brighter. Then she saw lights from many other directions coming towards her and uniting to her candle. Her flame became incredibly bright. Reanna was amazed. She didn’t understand what was going on.
Then she heard a voice say, “You heard our voices when we cried for help. We are here to help you keep your light burning bright.”
“Who are you?”
“We are the holy souls you helped. Your prayers helped us in Purgatory, and now we reside in the eternal glory of God. We are forever grateful. Do not give into despair. Trust that God knows what is best for your soul. Don’t long for happiness. Aim higher—go for holy. If you obtain holiness you will be eternally happy."
Reanna allowed a wave of peace to flow through her. After a few minutes she opened her eyes. Her heart was still scarred, her problems had not disappeared, but she could feel the Light of Christ burning within her. She was ready to begin again.
-Susan
