A surprise gift

One night recently I was going over to the Church to try to make it for the evening week day Mass. I had planned on going all day and then a bunch of stuff came up suddenly that prevented me from leaving the house on time to get there. They were important things - things that could not be prevented and needed addressing. Such is the story of my life being a Mom to five with other people who surround me too, who often need some sort of help. But, our good Lord knows and charity comes first.

When I pulled into the parking lot of the Church, I glanced at the time and moaned to my myself that it was too late, I probably had missed Communion too. But, I was eager to see Jesus and parked quickly to go inside. I blessed myself with holy water , genuflected and went into a pew in the back. I knelt down quickly to pray, closing my eyes and telling our dear Lord that I was happy to be there even though I had missed Mass. I could hear the closing hymn playing - a reminder of the time - and I had just arrived!

"Oh Lord," I said, "I'm so sorry I am so late. I knew that He knew the reasons and that they were important, out of my control and had prevented me from being there on time. But my heart ached and I said, "I'm sorry, Jesus, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry." I continued to pray and drink in His presence, His love and peace. I asked to receive Him in spiritual Communion.

Within a few minutes, I could hear the rustling of people coming down the center aisle from the back of the Church and a hymn beginning. I opened my eyes to see that Jesus was processing down the center aisle in a monstrance carried by our priest surrounded by altar servers and incense! What a gift. I hadn't known that there would be a Eucharistic holy hour after that Mass. I was there on time for that! Thank you dear Lord for Your many blessings! Thank you for Your love. I love You!