Welcome home… Oh, how He loves us…
As you know, I have been a cradle Catholic for a large majority of my life. However, in my rebellious age I left the church and declared myself a free spirit. On one part it was easier for me to try and convince myself that Christ was a myth, yet another part of me longed for peace of mind and to be loved. It would take a series of profoundly humbling events that would ultimately redirect my love back to Christ and His church.
I am a firm believer in the timeless saying, “If you love them, let them go. And, if it was meant to be, they will return.” (unknown). Like the prodigal son, my stubbornness and ignorance had convinced me that I could go it alone. As I chased impossible dreams and drained myself of all my spiritual assets, I found myself at rock bottom. Alone. In my loneliness, He sent an angel who I now call my husband, Josh.
On Tuesday, April 22nd, we will have been married for 19 years but have been united for nearly 22 years total. Josh did not have an easy task. But, through his grace and patience, he invited me to daily mass. I replied, “Church is only on Sundays or Saturdays.” Then he responded, “Mass is celebrated daily.” Never had I known this. In approximately 24 years of my life as a Catholic, I had no idea mass was held daily. And, from that invitation, my heart fell back in love with Christ and the church. No words could describe the feeling that overcame me, that I was finally home. And, regardless of my rebelliousness, I had been welcomed back fully. I now know that only through the Love of Christ will I find peace of mind and unceasing love.
Now, that is not to say that my life is now perfect. However, I understand as my husband remarked to me that day, “Mass is celebrated daily.” That, I too must put forth a daily effort to embrace the full capacity of Christ’s love and how I can then pass His love to all the world.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for welcoming me always into your Love. May I place forth a daily effort towards deepening my love for You. May I always be an example to others to return if they too have gone astray. I pray they too may know, they may always return. In your name, we pray. Amen. By Isabel Anderson
Love thy neighbor as thyself 