even more blessings...

The oddest thing happened the other day. I had played for Mass in the morning at a nursing home. (It's my volunteer job!) In the afternoon, I had a very strong urge to go to Mass again and it had to be at the cathedral at 5:15. I thought it was strange because I'd already gone to Mass and I didn't think I should spend the money for gas to get there. (It's at least 20 minutes from my home.) As the afternoon wore on, the urge became a very decisive longing. I HAD TO GO TO MASS AGAIN AT THE CATHEDRAL AT 5:15! So, I went...

When I walked into the church, I saw many Sisters and Brothers standing around. I asked Brother Paul what was up. He said it was World Consecrated Religious Day and they were all there celebrating with the archbishop. He said there would probably be 200 participating. I replied, whoa, I'll be in good company then!

Now, given how I am meeting regularly with the bishop and working on the idea of beginning a new religious congregation of Sisters around the chastity/pro-life message, I thought it was rather interesting that God had called me there right then. It was an awesome gift for me to be among these holy men and women.

What a blessing the entire thing was for me! The archbishop, the bishop, 15 priests, acolytes...the beautiful music, the readings, the archbishop's homily, the opening up of the bishop's line for Holy Communion, his loving, encouraging smile as he placed Our Lord gently in my hand (he knows of my termination from the center), the recognition of Sisters who have given many years to our Lord...being able to talk with Sr. Josephine of the Little Sisters of the Poor after Mass (she's been praying for me ever since we met 2 years ago when she came to the Sisters of the Good Shepherd for retreat!) and my friend Joan who found me before Mass and sat with me...My goodness, the blessings just kept coming!

This Mass was a gift of enormous magnitude to me and just the balm on my spirit that I needed so badly. We Catholics are very blessed to be able to receive the Blessed Sacrament every day (and sometimes twice!). It is especially poignant to participate in the re-presentation of our Lord's sacrifice when one is suffering earthly heartaches as I was that day. Somehow, our sufferings pale in light of Jesus' but it can be an opportunity to share His cross in some small way.

How awesome it is to be loved by such a God as ours! I cried all the way back to my pew and then some after Communion. I couldn't help it. I was overcome with great joy to think God loves me so much that He placed an urging in my soul to go be with Him at His most holy Sacrifice once more that day. So, so, so beautiful!