and to show His love in every day simple ac-
tivities.
Speaking about 'flesh,¯ still grieving my
mother?s passing in September, I look back at
the last six years that my family had to take
care of my mom?s physical body. Jesus? 'true
light¯ was there to get us through and guided
us to stay patient, compassionate and work together as a family. We
experienced the
human-ess
as the frailty of her body took a toll on
her and her children; but we took care of her with dutiful love and at
the same time trying to keep her dignity and
our
sanity
! Her flesh was deteriorating before our eyes
as the six of us took our turn. This sacrifice and la-
bor of love revealed that God was with us and
guided us through her illness. The photo below is
the last time our earthly hands touched and although
we can?t touch her anymore her spirit lives on in our
hearts.
Truly, 'all things came to be through him¯
and without Him we couldn?t have done it. Jesus
was with us and still is!
Prayer
Dear Jesus, Thank you for the opportunity to care
for others and to find joy in helping each other.
Guide us to be patient and aware of the needs of
others. Give us grace to see that Jesus the Word is
among us in our lives now and forever. Amen
______
A Blessed New Year,
Rita Fortner
Parishioner, Living Your Gifts, Eucharistic Minister
