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Today's Readings
When I signed up to do today’s reflection I felt a little nervous about reading the gospel and sharing my thoughts. After reflecting on the Gospel and readings several times on many different days , one of the lines that sticks in my head is “Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever keeps my word will never see death”. This past year has been a challenge to say the least and I have often prayed for God to give me the strength to handle whatever came. God shared with me an example of his enduring strength and love every single day, in my husband. My husband never complained, never asked why him, and always, always chose to keep Christ as his center. One of the last times he came home from the hospital, one of the few things he wanted was to receive Jesus Christ every day. I know my husband got his strength from being able to share his beliefs with a strong Catholic community. The deacons, Eucharistic ministers and priests who went out of their way to make sure that he was able to receive communion every day, strengthened his conviction. He also felt Gods healing powers in the letters, cards, dinners and crumb cakes, from his wonderful parish, his walking partners and his family. Watching the end of his life unfold and being witness to his faith helps me to know without a doubt that “Whoever keeps his word will never see death.” While I miss him every day, I know that I will see him together with our Lord Jesus Christ.
Lord Jesus Christ, please continues to guide us.
Allow us to see your strength in our lives.
Help us to see your glory and love in those we meet.
Bless us until we are all together in heaven.
Amen
Terri McGill is a long-time St. Stephen's parishioner. Her husband, Mike, entered eternal rest in December, after a courageous battle with leukemia. Together, they have five grown children.