Conference vmszoo::catholic-theology

1425.0. "Medjugorje came to ME, instead" by WRKSYS::HOLT () Mon Mar 24 1997 14:40

    
    Well, God works in mysterious ways.
    
    I will not be going to Medjugorje in early April.  My mother (a 
    WONDERFUL woman!) has become extremely ill and is not expected to make
    it through the end of April (the end of March is even questionable). 
    So.... I will be here, instead.
    
    However, I must tell you this wonderful story.  I have been worried
    about my mom, who grew up Catholic, but got away from the Church
    (probably because she married my also-wonderful Dad, who is not
    Catholic and claims - hah - to be an agnostic).  She looked so dreadful
    on Saturday night that I spoke with her on Sunday.  She lives in an
    assisted living place that has a lot of ties to the Catholic Church, so
    I found out who the priest is that "covers" them (do we call them
    chaplains in the Catholic Church? I don't remember!), and asked Mom if
    she would like him to come visit her and give her "the anointing of the
    sick" - I figured calling it last rites would be rather upsetting.
    
    So, this great priest got out of his apartment early on Sunday morning
    and came to see my Mom.  I had told him that she had grown up Catholic,
    etc. etc., but now she wanted to see him.  So, he came in, and said,
    "How are you, hon?"  (I was kind of smiling because my Mom's 69, and
    we're all calling her honey and sweetheart these days).  He took her
    hand and said, "Just tell me you're sorry for your sins, dear - that's
    all you need to do."  She could bearly speak, she is so exhausted, but
    she said, "I'm sorry for my sins."  So he was able to give this
    wonderful woman what I had been praying for for years - confession,
    absolution, and communion.
    
    Can you imagine if I'd been in Medjugorje already, and hadn't been able
    to call the priest?  Because I'm the only one that's Catholic in the
    family, I don't know if anyone else would have thought to do it
    (because I'm not sure Mom would have had the physical strength or
    emotional courage to ask).  So in taking away a trip to see his Mother
    from ME, he can give HIMSELF to MY mother.  I cannot express the
    enormity of relief that it is that she has had these 3 sacraments prior
    to her death.  God is ever merciful and ever ready to give himself to
    us.  All it took was my Mom's "sure...," and He was at her side.
    
    Please keep us in your prayers - especially my Dad, who is going to
    miss her dreadfully.  I will not be going to Medjugorje for
    a while, but I will take your prayer requests with me this week (they
    have a chapel with the Blessed Sacrament right at this place) and pray
    for them for you there.
    
    May God's mercy find you, as it found my Mom! - Betsy

    That's wonderfull Betsy!
    
    God does work things out doesn't he!
    
    Peter
    

    Hi Betsy,
    
    		I had very much the same sort of experience/upheaval in
    January (note 1418.10, 12, etc).
    		We will be praying for you & your mum.
    							nm

    
    
    	Hi Betsy, you have witnessed our caring Mother's concern
    	for her children, she knows what our priorities need to be.
    
    	I will be praying for her over this week, for your father and 
    	the rest of your family at this time.
    	
    	May you all be blessed, in the name of our risen Lord.
    
    	Peace,
    	
    		Tom
    
    	

    Betsy, 
    
    Praise be Jesus!  Both God and Son, He gives comfort and mercy to
    all who ask.  Our Lord gave you such a great opportunity to minister
    to your mom and to witness the greatest of the miracles he performs --
    the forgiveness of our sins.
    
    Will offer today's Mass (Feast of the Annunciation!) for you, your mom
    and dad and your family.  
    
    To Jesus through Mary!
    Mary H