Many years ago, I participated in a workshop for Youth Ministers, and the presenter challenged us to send out in the mail (yes, it was so long ago we were mailing things out to families) a monthly Youth Ministry newsletter.

He said to include a personal reflection about something in our own lives or in the world and where God is in it.

That was the beginning of what is now my Weekly Email.

I just read this coming Sunday’s Mass Readings and did what I always do, prayed, “Lord, what do I write about and give me the courage to do so and send it. Amen.”

If you choose you can keep the commandments, they will save you; if you trust in God, you too shall live… Sirach 15:15

That is the first verse of the First Reading for this coming Sunday.

I experienced what is described yesterday.

Yesterday was Sunday. The third of the Ten Commandments is Remember to keep holy the Lord’s Day.

I did not want to go to Mass.

I felt like I was not ready to be around a lot of people.

I cry unexpectedly.

I feel overwhelmed when people ask me all sorts of questions about my dad’s death.

I decided I’m not going to Mass.

Someone I know from another church texted me early in the morning to let me know that she was praying for me and my family.

Her own dad passed away in December and a Mass later in the morning at her church was going to be offered for her dad. She said she would be praying for my dad too.

Her church is about a 45-minute drive away from me.

There was time for me to get ready and drive out there for that Mass.

No one would know me, so if I cried, who cares.

No one would ask me all sorts of questions.

I went.

That was the first Sunday Mass I went to since my dad died.

I quietly cried off and on throughout the Mass.  

To my surprise, not only was the lady’s dad’s name said, but so was my dad’s name when it was time to say who the Mass was for.

I was so glad I went.

Thankfully I chose to keep the third Commandment, Remember to keep holy the Lord’s Day.

Going to Mass ended up bringing me comfort and blessings.

Receiving Holy Communion gave me strength.

The Mass Readings for this coming Sunday remind us of the blessings and life that comes from choosing to live as God guides us to through the Commandments.

Thank You Lord.

I will be at Mass this Sunday here at our church.

It’s OK if I cry.

I hope to see you.