Posted by The WORD in other words (2006) by Father Florencio Lagura SVD – New Jersey, USA
Thursday 7th Week of Easter
Though her body was bent with age and her fingers painfully curled with arthritis, Helen remained active and zealous in the apostolate, just as she had been before her illness. She faithfully made her rounds in the nursing home, sharing the good news of salvation and joy with those willing to listen. Among them was Barbara. Raised in a devout Catholic family, Barbara had always loved the Church they proudly called their own.
One Sunday, however, Barbara recalls with sorrow how their pastor shocked the congregation by announcing that, in addition to the usual Sunday collection, each parishioner would henceforth be charged about ₱15 for the use of a church pew. Outrage erupted, and the loudest protest came from Barbara’s father, who immediately led the family out of the church. The following day, he withdrew his children from the school run by nuns. To make matters worse, Barbara later married outside the Church — and to a divorced man.
As Barbara recounted her story with bitterness, Helen listened patiently. Then, with gentle compassion, she reminded Barbara of the Lord’s enduring love — a love that invites everyone to believe and be united with Him. Helen repeated Jesus’ words: “I made known to them your name, and I will make it known, that the love with which you loved me may be in them, and I in them.” Jesus foresaw that His disciples would face trials, misunderstandings, and divisions, yet He prayed for their protection and unity. Barbara closed her eyes and asked Helen for time to reflect, while Helen clasped her gnarled fingers in prayer, silently pleading with the Lord to grant her friend the grace of forgiveness and a contrite heart.
Barbara’s story reminds us how easily anger and hurt can separate us from the Church and from God. Yet Jesus teaches: “If you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you” (Matthew 6:14). Forgiveness is never easy, but it is the path to healing and reconciliation. St. Paul exhorts us: “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you” (Ephesians 4:32).
Helen’s frail hands clasped in prayer remain a powerful image of faith. Though her body was weak, her spirit was strong, interceding for her friend. Like Helen, we too are called to pray for those burdened by anger and hurt, trusting that God’s love can soften hearts and restore joy.
“Lord, grant us the grace to forgive, to be reconciled, and to live in the unity You prayed for. May our hearts leap with joy in Your mercy.”
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