and those who are crushed in spirit He saves. (Psalm 34: 19)
I am surely among the brokenhearted and the crushed in spirit, these days.
It seems that these words at Mass today were directed to me and even Father’s short homily seemed to touch my soul in a special way and made me shed a tear. But, not just for me. . .for my mother who is suffering so much now from pain and has shut me out of her life. I’m not so concerned about me–the fourth commandment has always been a favorite of mine because it has a promise attached to it. I’m concerned because she has shut everyone out of her life except my brother who actually lives near her. No church friends come to visit (because she doesn’t want them;) no reception of the sacraments because she doesn’t want “them” to bring her the Eucharist or the priest to visit; no visits from grandchildren and great-children because she doesn’t want anyone around.
I think I would want people around who could possibly make me forget my misery for a while. I know I would surround myself with family and friends.
I am going to talk to Father on Wednesday about what is reasonable for me to do to try to help. My two brothers and my sister gave up their faith a long time ago, so she is surrounded by Protestants who wouldn’t dare to offer to call her parish pastor and let them know that she is very, very ill and needs the consolation of the sacraments, even though she doesn’t think so.
More from the Psalm: The Lord redeems the lives of His servants; no one incurs guilt who takes refuge in him.
Pray for mom, please, and for me that I may find peace for myself. There is still a little girl in me that wants my mom. . .
Dr. Linda L. Powell 