I have a friend who is impressed by what the world calls "powerful"
and "successful" people. Imagine, if he had the gift of faith, how he
would be attracted to the chapel to be in the presence of and be
influenced by the One from Whom all power flows, the very Source of
Life. In the Powerful Presence, I am made aware of my own utter
powerlessness: I did not choose to live; I did not choose my parents or
the Age in which I live; I cannot prolong my life here indefinitely, and
I do not control the lives of those with whom I share my life.
The world sets me in a struggle against my true nature as it fosters the illusion that I am self-sufficient.
In those quiet moments before Our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament, I
am freed from that illusion...The sand of self-confidence on which the
world would have me build my life is replaced by the rock of
God-confidence... Conflict and anxiety and fear give way to peace beyond
expression. The world inflicts wounds upon us which God alone can heal.
In those quiet moments before Our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament, I
experience that Healing Power and catch a glimpse of that Divine
Compassion we are called to share.
In the presence of the Source of life, I am made aware that all of
life is a gift to be humbly accepted and appreciated. It's not so much
that I choose to go to the chapel as it is that I am drawn there. "Come
to me all you who are weary and find life burdensome, and I will refresh
you. Take my yoke upon your shoulders and learn from me, for I am
gentle and humble of heart. Your souls will find rest, for my yoke is
easy and my burden light."
Immaculata Magazine: Dec. 1984 / Jan. 1985
John Gile