Friday, July 29, 2011

Answering the recruiter's call

Edeson had just graduated from high school. He would enjoy a couple of months of vacation time and then begin studying at the university where he had been accepted. After four more years of studying, he would be able to walk right into an engineering position in a big corporation. Edeson's parents had their hearts set on their son marrying a certain girl from a good family line, so he began a pleasant courtship with the sweet maiden. It was easy for Edeson to try to please his parents, because cooperation with them never failed to work out best for him.

Secretly, though, Edeson was becoming conflicted within himself. He couldn't put his finger on it to articulate the issue and examine it objectively, but there was a disconcerted feeling that he had about where his life was headed. The practicality of his life plan was as perfect as it could possibly be, but it didn't seem to be one that would affect the lives of the less fortunate in the world. Edeson was sure that he could somehow make a difference by healing some broken hearts and building some bridges between people.

Once a month for over a year, he had been involved in a ministry that fed the homeless in the inner city. There was real satisfaction for the young man in serving the poor and needy. Edeson smiled as he recalled how special last week's outing had been for him. That one precious little girl who he had brought hair ribbons for a couple of times previously came running up to him upon his arrival. Excitedly, she gave him a picture that she had drawn for him of their new apartment. He couldn't think of anything in his life that had ever made him happier than sharing in that wisp of an angel's happiness over finally being able to leave the homeless shelter and move into her own home with her mother.

There it was again, that peculiar feeling. It was as if an invisible presence was standing beside Edeson with a gentle hand of guidance upon his shoulder, as the parting words spoken by that little girl came back to haunt him. Perhaps she said it because he had been wearing black that day. "Thank you for the ribbons. Do you see how pretty they make my hair? I love you, Father Edeson!"

Today's readings: Leviticus 23:1,4-11, 15-16, 27, 34-37, Psalm 81:3-6, 10-11, Gospel: John 11:19-27 or Luke 10:38-42
From the Litany of the Holy Ghost:
Holy Ghost, the Comforter, have mercy on us.
Holy Ghost, the Sanctifier, have mercy on us.
Holy Ghost, Who governs the Church, have mercy on us.
Gift of God, the Most High, have mercy on us.
Spirit Who fills the universe, have mercy on us.
Spirit of the adoption of the children of God, have mercy on us.

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