After driving aimlessly for an hour, Tori saw a sign-St. Joseph's Retreat Center. "Retreat is exactly what I need," she thought to herself. "I need a retreat from all my problems." She pulled into the small parking lot and put the car in park. She smiled at the large statue of St. Joseph holding the child Jesus surrounded by a wall maintained garden of flowers. Tori suddenly felt the urge to draw closer to the statue. Without thinking she got out of the car and began walking down the short path towards an empty bench in front of the statue. She just sat there and allowed her tears to slowly roll down her face. "I've really messed things up this time. I don't know what to do," she thought to herself. She looked at how lovingly St. Joseph looked at the little Jesus in his arms, and longed to be able to embrace Jesus as well.
Tori was so lost in thought that she didn't even notice the priest walking up the path until he cheerfully announced, "Good morning! How are you today? It sure is pretty out today!"
Tori did her best to fake a smile. "Yes, the weather is perfect today." she said without much enthusiasm.
"You look like you have a lot more than the weather on your mind."
"Yes, I suppose I do," Tori replied. "I actually don't know how I even got here. I just got in my car and started driving, and this is where I ended up. Is it okay that I am sitting here?"
"Of course it is. It's a great place to think. I come here often myself. Anything I can help you with?"
"Not unless you're good at erasing mistakes," admitted Tori.
"Well...I may be able to help you out. Have you visited the River of Grace? It flows right through the Church. It's known for its healing power."
"River of Grace? No, I've basically just been sitting outside here."
"It's really something. I would love to share it with you."
"It runs right through the Church?"
"Yep."
Tori shrugged her shoulders and then raised her eyebrows, "Ok, that sounds pretty interesting." Tori followed the priest into the Church.
"Now it starts right here at the Baptismal font. Just put your hand in there for a minute. I want you to close your eyes, bless yourself with the sign of the Cross and then let the Spirit show you the River of Grace."
Tori followed the priests instruction. She closed her eyes as her hand went into the water and then blessed herself in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Suddenly Tori's eyes became wide open and she saw the River Of Grace flowing from the Baptismal font. It was absolutely amazing! It was so beautiful! Without thinking she removed her shoes and starting wading in the water. The gentle, warm current nudged her forward little by little. With each step she felt completely immersed in love. The pain of her mistakes ebbed out of her heart and disappeared into the water. She felt a peaceful wave flow right through her. She felt as if she had been reborn! Inspired by the River of Grace, she looked up towards the heavens and cried, "Father, forgive me, I am so sorry."
And then she heard the Father's voice, "I absolve you of all your sins in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit."
" I'm ready to begin again." Tori was silent for a minute. "Father, thank you for inviting me in. I didn't even realize how much I was missing by staying outside."
Father Jim smiled. "Jesus patiently waits for each of us to come inside so that He can heal us through the sacraments with His Divine Love and Mercy. I'm so happy you said 'Yes' to the invitation."
-Susan
