I sent him back to "the 'Stan" with Easter water and a Miraculous Medal, realizing full well that if these items are used as good luck charms they would offer nothing. However, used properly and reverently and as a reminder we have accepted Our Lady's offer of protection, then we are in good hands.
When I first returned to Holy Mother Church I was scared and I did not really know Jesus. I wanted so badly to receive Holy Communion but I could not. It seems the "men" of the Church (the priest, the Magisterium, even Jesus) were holding me at arms length until I cleaned up my act. But Mama Mary - she was there holding my hand (even if it was only spiritually!) The men had built the house (the church) but the Blessed Mother made it a home.
A few days ago, before Luke's revelation, I had placed a statue of the Virgin next to his official army portrait. I pondered many things while looking at my little tableau. I thought about naming Luke after the saint that wrote the Gospel that bears their shared name. I thought about St. Luke being a doctor and my Luke being a medic. I was comforted that the Virgin Mary and St. Luke were friends. I was also reassured that Mary knows exactly what I am going through right now because her own son was in danger many times. I have prayed for her continued intercession and protection.
A few days ago Nikki told me that a rocket had gone over Luke's head and later his ear was bleeding. Around that time I had read a quote from St. Padre Pio. He said, "Pray, hope and don't worry. Worry is useless. God is merciful and will hear your prayer..Prayer is the best weapon we have; it is the key to God's heart. You must speak to Jesus not only with your lips but with your heart. In fact on certain occasions you should speak to Him only with your heart."
I took that quote to heart and prayed silently that Jesus would heal Luke's ear just like he healed the slave of the high priest when his ear was cut off in the Garden of Gethsemane. (Luke 22:50-51)
Don't be discouraged in your times of dryness. If you have ever prayed for the experience to thirst for souls or the opportunity to bring others to Christ - He is listening. It just won't happen in the way you think it will.
+++
Holy God, we praise Thy Name;
Lord of all, we bow before Thee!
All on earth Thy scepter claim,
All in heaven above adore Thee;
Infinite Thy vast domain,
Everlasting is Thy reign.
+++
