We have all been to that awful place. It’s that place where overwhelming crisis and teeming problems vie for our attention. It can be a massive work problem, a health issue, a family dispute or a financial burden. It can also be – wait for it – all four.
Remember those “good times”? I can, and for me, I had three major things happening at the same time. I recall the confusion, the sense of failure, the waves of fear and the feeling of powerlessness. I can remember the numbness and how it felt like I was holding my breath for months on end. However, and with equal measure, I can also remember those who helped me get through that maze. I recall their quiet presence, their acceptance, their soothing words and their absolute belief in my ability to pull through. And I did. And I am grateful to them. Their presence transformed my experience when they shared my burden.
An oft-repeated verse is Matthew 11:28: “Come unto Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Thank you, Basil Valdez, for singing this song so beautifully and for the imprint on our collective 40-something memory. Kids reading this, ask your parents who Basil Valdez is. He’s a talent worth knowing). Dear reader, where did you find rest when you were weary and burdened?
Like me, you would have found strength with someone who was present, accepting and who believed in you. That person shared your burden and gave you rest. That person was the face of love for you.
That person showed you God.
The gospel today opens with a fantastic verse: “Go into the whole world and proclaim the gospel to every creature.” (Mark 16:15) Phew, tough and all-intimidating call! The command is to PROCLAIM TO EVERY CREATURE! Where does one begin?
I recently came across the blog titled Rainbowaries and it is by a very honest blog. I came across an entry wherein she wrote about her “spiritual gurus.” She talks about Fr. Rafael Borromeo, S.J.
“He would patiently wait for me to share my innermost hang-ups and joys. He would allow me to cry and he would simply be there waiting till I became sober.” Fr. Rafael’s presence and loving acceptance earned this writer’s absolute trust. She writes further: “He told me to share my giftedness to others and that I should learn to be selfless radically. ‘You belong where you are needed the most’ has been echoing in my heart.”
Not all of us are called to be religious and be spiritual directors like the legendary Fr. Rafael Borromeo. Some are called to be Jesuits, some are called to be in professions and some are called to be parents. Yet as Catholics, we share the same command: To proclaim the gospel to every creature. And it is true and pragmatic because we all know someone who needs us to be attentive, accepting and present to them.
The funny thing with accepting and supporting someone through their crisis is that once they receive such a great gift, they cannot help but pass it on. How can they not, when they have been changed, for good?
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