Journeying to Grace

The homily I heard over the weekend got my attention, and I have been reflecting on the question Father posed to us: What can we do today that would make Jesus smile? Father asked this in the context of not being able to change what has already taken place, not being in control of what happens in the future, and only tending to today, to the things we say and do right now. As I reflected more on his inquiry, two thoughts surfaced. 1) This is an invitation to truly be with the Lord in the present. Our present. What we feel, what we desire, what hurts, what we are grateful for; all the pieces that we are. We need and welcome the Lord’s presence in all that we do and experience in any, and every, moment. Sometimes I’m good at that, but more often, not so much. I tend to invite Him to my current joy or struggle and not to the ‘in between.’ But our journey with Him is total, complete, and at all times; even in the ‘every day’ and especially in the present.

2) The thought of making Jesus smile is a new idea to consider and caused me to wonder – Do my words and actions do that? Are they worthy? Do they help the mission of Christ? My image of Him usually focuses on Jesus the Divine, thoughtful and in prayer, the beloved messenger of the Father. He is the Son, the teacher, the fount of wisdom, and the perfect example of love. Not as often do I reach for Jesus the human. The Jesus who smiled with His disciples and felt joys, hurts, and challenges like I do. I did an internet search for ‘smiling Jesus’ with the intention of finding a picture of the ‘crucifix of the smiling Christ’ located in the castle in Javier, Spain. My search wasn’t specific enough, so I was presented with a full page of images and interpretations of Jesus smiling. This was a blessing – to see the very human Jesus offering His smile of love, grace, joy, and hope.

The possibility of Jesus smiling at something I say or do feels like an opportunity and an invitation. Let us welcome the Lord’s presence always and pray that we choose ways to make Jesus smile every day.

[Like you, my prayers are with the victims, families, first responders, and volunteers of the recent flooding in Texas and of all natural disasters. I found the prayer below to be helpful, so I wanted to share it with you.]

In Our Hearts (excerpt from xavier.edu/jesuitresource)

Compassionate Lord, we pray for those who have been devastated by recent natural disasters. We remember those who have lost their lives so suddenly. We hold in our hearts the families forever changed by grief and loss. Bring them consolation and comfort. Surround them with our prayer for strength. Bless those who have survived and heal their memories of trauma and devastation. May they have the courage to face the long road of rebuilding ahead.

We ask your blessing on all those who have lost their homes, their livelihoods, their security and their hope. Bless the work of relief agencies and those providing emergency assistance. May their work be guided by the grace and strength that comes from You alone. We ask this in Jesus’ name. -Author unknown