Deacon John Writes

Deacon John Writes:

Elizabeth Lamb once said: “You are needed where you are. As in the heavens, each and every star fills its appointed space, so that you fill that place where God has need. Do not doubt, your hand held out to help a friend, your love to warm an empty heart, even your smile to light the dark, you are in your needed place.”

Recently people have been praying for peace in the world, and for unity among Christians. It might be good to remember that it is not just the unity of Christians we should be concerned about. It is important to show care and concern for all creation and for all people whether or not they believe in God. We must always remember that God has something special for all of us to do, and only we can do it. A Jesuit priest tells the story of an old man who collapsed on a Brooklyn street in America and was taken to Hospital. From a blurred address in the man’s wallet, nurses had deciphered the name of a marine who appeared to be the old man’s son. They put in an emergency call to the Army camp. When the marine arrived, the old man stretched out his hand feebly. The marine took it, and held it for the next four hours, until the man died. After the man had died, the marine asked a nurse: “Who was he?” The nurse, somewhat puzzled, replied:”Wasn’t he your Dad?” The Marine said: “No, but I saw that he needed a son, so I stayed.”