Grace to you!
Sometime last year, I boarded a plane en route to Louisville, Kentucky, and sat between two men. As often as I did while traveling, I brought out my blue Rosary and started to pray in silence. Forty minutes into the flight, one of the men seemed to have something to say to me.
I sensed it. The man’s body language was an indicator. I slightly looked at him and our eyes crossed. As I suspected, he asked, “Please don’t be offended. Why do you pray?”
Surprised, I wondered why he would want to pry into my private affairs. However, I smiled. Smiles have a way of easing off eerie feelings. Looking him in the eye, I couldn’t discern why he wanted to know.
I felt I should feel free to share with him anyway. Sure enough, I did.
“I pray for many things,” I began. “Sometimes, to thank God. Other times to worship Him. Numerous times to ask for one intention or another for those who’ve asked for my prayers.”
Continuing, I explained that my current prayer petition is to ask God to intervene in the wildfire ravaging some parts of southern California at the time. I also pray for many out there who are wounded and hurting. It could be depression or those dealing with some domestic and relationship issues.
As I went on, I noticed he started to tear up. “I can’t believe that I’m tearing up,” he said as he wiped his eyes with a paper towel.
He had been through many family issues, and they are eating him up. He explained he was baptized young as a Catholic but has since left the Church. He claimed he suspected I must be a Catholic because of the clergy dress I was wearing, plus when I brought out the Rosary to pray. He maintained he is never curious about people’s affairs but couldn’t say why he decided to ask why I pray. Moreover, it had been a long time since he left the faith and didn’t care about it anymore.
The discussion went on and on and turned out to be a spiritual “counseling” session. The man told me his profession and gave me his business card, asking that I contact him. I did.
He held my hands, and at his request, I prayed for him while on the plane. Tears of joy filled his eyes, and he thanked me for helping carry his load. I remember sharing with him the Lord’s word, which I believe applies to all who are burdened: “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Mt 11:28).
Before our flight landed and we parted ways, the trip became a spiritual healing experience for a person I met on the plane.
God works in strange ways. He visits us in strange circumstances. Burdened, come to Christ, and find peace. The Lord will give you rest.
Praying that Christ will grant us the grace of relief from our worries and burdens. Amen
God love you. God bless you.
[Readings, Wednesday Advent Week 2: Is 40:25-31; Mt 11:28-30]
Reading or listening to your words always brings me peace. You are a gift from God and He works through you. Thank you for responding to His call.
Thank you very much for the testimony. It was an inspiration especially to those who are on the verge of giving up
The Lord works in a mysterious way indeed. Even me I read this just to know the reason we should pray. I am not left. I learnt alot in this small write ups.
Thank you, Fr. Maurice for the inspiring story. Truly God is with us especially in our burdens. Thanks and praise be to God for your life, your vocation and your ministry. God bless you always.🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽
Thank you for Fr. Maurice. A story of personally encountering the needy & answering the Lord’s call to intercede is beautiful and hopeful.
God is always a loving Father who cares for us and always eager to know all our state in life.
Very interesting Fr. Emelu. Thanks for sharing . God Bless you.
How come those who work for God go through some terrible experiences in life unlike those who care less?