The Lord Is With You: Week One

   Ross looked out the window before heading for church.  "Oh, great, it snowed last night," he announced without any enthusiasm. 

  "It snowed last night?!  Whoah!" screamed his son.  "Can  I play outside when we get home, Mom?"

  "Sure honey.  Ross would you mind shoveling the front walk so my shoes don't get all snowy?" asked Peggy with a smile.

  Without answering, Ross put his coat and gloves on and headed towards the garage.  He spotted the shovel way in the back where it has sat unused since last winter.  As he reached to pull out the shovel, he accidentally knocked over a box and a baseball bat fell out, almost hitting him in the face. "Well that was a close call. I can see this is going to be yet another great day," he said sarcastically as he headed towards the snow covered walk.  As he shoveled he allowed his depressed mood more room.  "What a shitty year.  I wonder what other fun surprises God has in store for me.  Losing my Dad this year, yeah that was a good one. Being laid off for months and then having my hours cut, yep that was great.  Oh yeah, now I get to stare at the neighbor's house across the street all decked out for Christmas.  I'll be lucky if I can even afford Christmas this year."

  Ross' mood followed him into church.  He followed his wife into the usual pew and waited for Mass to start.  He stood as expected as Father Tom processed down the main aisle.  Father Tom began, "In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit.  The Lord be with you."

  The congregation replied, "And with your spirit."

  Father Tom looked right at Ross and said, "Hey, Ross, do you really believe the Lord is with you?"  Ross felt his face get very warm.  Did Father Tom really just call him out like that? Is this some new way we celebrate Mass now? Ross turned to look at Peggy for help.  Peggy just looked straight ahead as if nothing unusual happened. "Ross, did you hear me?" 

  Reluctantly, Ross turned his head back towards Father Tom.  Father Tom remained perfectly still.  In fact as he looked around, everyone was perfectly still. "Ross, relax.  You're ok.  It's just me." Ross could hardly believe what he saw next.  Jesus just suddenly appeared next to Father Tom.  "Breathe Ross.  You're fine.  Why are you so surprised to see me here?  Didn't you come today to spend time with me?"

  Ross could feel his heart racing and he broke out in a cold sweat.  "Oh my gosh, I'm having a heart attack.  Did I already-"

  "Ross I told you, you are fine.  I thought we needed to spend a little one-on-one time together.  So you and I have stepped out of time for a little bit."

  "What?"  Ross was shaking his head back and forth while trying to understand.

  "Ross, I know this has been a very difficult year for you.  I heard your thoughts this morning. I know how much you have been hurting. I want to help you. Do you believe that?  Do you believe that I am with you?"

  Ross didn't know what to say.  Jesus motioned for him to come sit next to Him on the steps of the altar.  "Ross, I know exactly how hard this year has been for you.  I have been with you every day.  I held you in my arms while you sobbed over your dad's illness and death.  I want you to know your dad is so happy in Paradise.  Your separation isn't permanent.  It's just for now."

  "I miss him.  The pain cuts right through me," Ross admitted.  "I don't mean to be rude, but I don't feel like you are with me.  I feel very alone.  I feel like I'm being punished."

  "Ross, this is not a punishment.  It is a part of your cross and I know it has been difficult for you. I have never left your side.  Today is the first week of Advent and I want us to become closer.  I want you to  celebrate Mass with all your heart.  I want you to know that I am truly present.  I hear you and I love you. I want you to live your life with this as your mantra: "The Lord is with you."  Look for me throughout the day.  I will not disappoint you.  Can you do that for me?"

  Ross nodded yes and then felt the hands of time upon him. A moment later he heard Father Tom say, "Let us prepare ourselves to celebrate the sacred mysteries..."  

  Ross was trying to comprehend what just happened. "Prepare myself....yes... I need to change.  I need to change because the Lord is with me.  As Mass continued Ross listened very closely.  The prayers seemed much more meaningful.  Had the Mass always been this beautiful?

(to be continued...)

-Susan