The Lord is With You--Week 2

   The week went by quickly for Ross.  His depression didn't magically disappear, but some of his anger seemed diminished.  He was definitely still grieving the loss of his dad and that just made dealing with any other problems more difficult.  When the waves of sadness and loss moved through Ross, he tried very hard to believe his new mantra: "The Lord is with you."  Knowing that God was with him, and he was not facing this alone, helped Ross through the difficult moments.  At times he tried to shift his focus from his pain by remembering Jesus telling him how happy his dad was in Paradise.  With this new insight Ross was able to keep swimming even when the waves were crashing all around him.

  When Sunday came Ross found himself actually eager to go to Mass.  "Come on everybody let's go," he shouted.  "We don't want to be late for Mass."

  Peggy looked at her watch.  "Ross we have plenty of time yet.  This is a switch, usually I'm on your case to get moving."

  Ross smiled. "Hmm, that's true.  I'm sorry about that.  I'm trying to take Advent more serious this year.  I was very inspired by Mass last week.  I'm trying to make changes."

  Peggy stopped combing her hair.  She turned around and looked at Ross completely shocked.  "Who are you and what did you do with my husband?"

  "Very funny, Peggy.  What, you don't want me to be excited to go to Mass?"

  "Are you kidding?  I have dreamed of this day.  Looks like all those years of praying for you have finally payed off!" Peggy said teasingly.

  "Remind me to thank God for giving me such a comedic wife!  Better not make me late today."

  "Yes sir!" Peggy was more than happy to finish getting ready and leave a few minutes early.

  Ross could hardly wait for Mass to begin.  He sat in his pew staring at the altar.  He tried to remember every detail of what occurred last week.  "What are you smiling at?" Peggy whispered.

  Ross didn't realize he had been smiling.  "Nothing.  Just happy to be here."  Peggy reached over and felt his forehead.  "Knock it off!" Ross whispered back pretending to be annoyed.  Peggy had a hard time hiding her smile as well. 

  Father Tom began Mass with the usual greeting, "The Lord is with you." Ross felt an inner joy as the words were spoken and he remembered that Jesus asked him to celebrate Mass with all his heart. As Mass continued Ross did his best to do just that. Father Tom's homily seemed more inspiring than usual and Ross found himself excited to stand and pray the Nicene Creed. He bowed reverently as he prayed, "and by the Holy Spirit was incarnate of the Virgin Mary, and became man." As Ross stood up from his bow his breath was taken away.  Standing just beside him in the aisle was the Virgin Mary!

  Mary was looking at him and smiling.  "That was the moment that changed my life forever," Mary revealed.

  Ross tried to speak but was dumbfounded. As he looked around, everyone else seemed to be frozen.  All he could mange to say was, "What?"

  "The Incarnation changed me and all of salvation."

  Ross did his best to remember the meaning of the word Incarnation.  He repeated the word incarnation over and over in his mind hoping his memory bank still held the answer. Incarnation... God became man...the Holy Spirit...and Mary... Mary said 'Yes'.

  Mary smiled as if she could see Ross' brain connecting his thoughts to make sense. "It is amazing how much God loves us!  My Son told me about your conversation last Sunday.  He has allowed me this quick visit as well.  Do you remember how the Angel Gabriel greeted me that day? 'Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with you!'  I had never imagined that God had such an incredible plan for my life. Knowing that the Lord would be with me gave me the courage to say, 'yes!' to all of His Plans.  I sometimes wonder why people do not take that greeting to heart.  Ross, the Lord has a plan for your life too, even if it is not always obvious.  His plan for me was revealed slowly over time though prayer.  I didn't have all of the answers either, but I did trust in His promise that He would always be with me. Ross could you do the same?  Can you trust that the Lord will always be with you?"

  "I am working on that.  I am embarrassed to say that I have never really considered that greeting to be so important. I guess I have a lot to learn."

  "I'd like to help you with that if you would allow me, Ross."

  "What do you have in mind?"

   "Ross would you consider praying the Rosary with me?  If you keep your heart open, I can reveal so much of God's love to you through this powerful prayer."

  "I'm not sure if I remember how?  It's been a long time," Ross confessed.

  "It is simpler than you think.  There are even books in the gathering area of the church that could help you.  I'm sure Peggy would be willing to help you out.  Just start off very slow. Begin with the Joyful Mysteries.  Over time I will help you comprehend more.  Would you be willing to try this path?" 

  Ross was so moved by Mary's gentleness that he said,"Yes!" Immediately he felt the present moment and continued to pray the Nicene Creed.

(to be continued...)

-Susan