Saints Among Us

by David Lins  |  05/16/2021  |  (Being) Catholic Matters

It’s been a long time since I mentioned the saints among us: you individuals who attend Mass faithfully every Sunday (and sometimes more often than that) all alone. Let me define this a bit more specifically: all of you who travel alone in a vehicle to the Church.

The truth is this: any of you could skip out on Mass. If questioned, you could lie and say you attended another Mass or even another parish. Yet, you come. You worship.

So many of us come with spouses, children, parents, etc...we have a built-in accountability.

But those of you who come alone—we see you, we need you, we love you.

I deeply believe countless marriages have been saved by your prayer. Countless people have returned to the Lord and His Church as a result of your faithfulness. Countless blessings have been poured out upon our parish as a result of your participation in the Eucharist.

Thank you.

On a personal level, most of you know my wife and I suffered the loss of a child as a result of a reversed adoption. The loss of a child and massive debt resulting from unimaginable legal fees pushed us to the brink. You prayers helped us survive. Furthermore, I know your prayer guided us to the eventual successful adoption of Georgiana. And I know most of you didn’t pray for us specifically. Doesn’t matter. Your prayer, your faithfulness, your participation in the Eucharist bears fruit you rarely see...and I want to give you a glimpse. Thank you.

But more than any of that...Jesus sees. Jesus knows. And when it looks like you are sitting alone at Mass, you aren’t. In addition to your fellow parishioners who might not know how to reach out, the communion of saints and the choirs of angels join you at Mass. They pray with you. They sing with you. They sit beside you.

Questions? Comments? Reach David at dlins@oloj.org.