I recently visited the Fort Bliss military base in El Paso, Texas to present talks and a retreat to the military women there. I was honored to speak to such gracious and heroic women.<\/p>\n
While in El Paso, I met a man named Bernard. I had observed him standing on the side of a busy street as I was being driven back to my hotel after giving a retreat on Saturday.<\/p>\n
Bernard was holding a message on a tattered piece of cardboard. I asked my driver Karen (a woman from the military group at Fort Bliss) if I could possibly hand something to the man. She rolled down her window and I yelled out to him. He hurried over to the driver\u2019s window.<\/p>\n
I was able to give him my new water bottle, as well as a blessed Miraculous Medal, which I kissed before placing it in his outstretched hand. I told him that I hope and pray that he will receive many graces from the Blessed Mother through Her blessed medal. I also asked if I could hold his hand for a quick moment. Time stood still as his hand was intertwined with mine and Karen\u2019s hand too, through the open window. His entire demeanor exuded his happiness to connect with us.<\/p>\n
I asked him his name and he told me that it was “Bernard.”<\/p>\n
“God bless you, Bernard!,\u201d I said. \u201cGod loves you! I will pray for you. Please pray for me too.”<\/p>\n
And then our beautiful moment had to end there because we needed to drive on since the traffic light had changed. We quickly bid our good byes.<\/p>\n
As we pulled away, I turned around to watch our new friend. He was doing something that really touched my heart. I can still see him now in my mind as I write this to you. Bernard was kissing his blessed Miraculous Medal over and over again. My heart was soaring and I was feeling extremely thankful to God for gifting me with that blessed encounter with someone that Mother Teresa would call, “Jesus in the distressing disguise of the poorest of the poor.”<\/p>\n
Bernard will remain in my heart and prayers. Please say a prayer for Bernard, and of course, for all the unfortunate, the poor, sick, suffering, dying and troubled.<\/p>\n
A Time to Ponder and Pray<\/strong><\/p>\n The Gospel message in Matthew which Mother Teresa lived wholeheartedly rings in my heart, “Whatever you do to the least of my brothers, you do to me.”<\/p>\n Am I attentive to the needs around me? Can I stop even for a moment from my busy schedule to reach out to someone in need? Do I realize that simple loving interactions can make a huge difference in someone\u2019s life?<\/p>\n Can I pray for the graces to reach out beyond my comfort zone and share God\u2019s love with others?<\/p>\n Not all “needy” people are homeless or beggars. Many look like they are all put together upon meeting them when we are out and about in the community or at the workplace.<\/p>\n Some might even be within our own families and are silently craving our love. Let’s take a moment to ponder and pray who it is that Our Lord is calling us to love with His love.<\/p>\n What think ye?<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" I recently visited the Fort Bliss military base in El Paso, Texas to present talks and a retreat to the military women there. I was honored to speak to such gracious and heroic women. While in El Paso, I met … Continue reading