Sal and I try our best to attend Mass every weekend, usually on Saturday evenings. A few months ago, our priest, Monsignor Neil Van Loon, stopped me on my way out to tell me that he thought that his homily that particular weekend related to me. I laughed, uncomfortably, not knowing if I should I tell him. Then, I thought, though, what the heck. He’s an understanding guy. “Monsignor,” I said, “I haven’t heard a homily in five and a half years!” He, of course, laughed, knowing that our oldest child is five and a half years old. Our beautiful, modern church has a “sound proof cry room” in the back right corner and that’s where Sal and I have been sitting since Jameson was born in March of 2007. Every time we thought that we’d graduated to the “big church”, we had another child!
Anyway, last night in the cry room, Jameson sat next to me like a perfect lady, Cam sat peacefully on my lap, and Chase sat calmly on Sal’s lap for the entire Mass. Nicole A., if you’re reading this, I know that you can’t believe it! Well, Monsignor would be happy to know that I heard his homily – every single word. He spoke about needing help, asking others for help, and asking God for help. He ended with the following:
The Blessing of Unanswered Prayers
I asked for strength that I might achieve;
I was made weak that I might learn humbly to obey.
I asked for health that I might do greater things;
I was given infirmity that I might do better things.
I asked for riches that I might be happy;
I was given poverty that I might be wise.
I asked for power that I might have the praise of men;
I was given weakness that I might feel the need of God.
I asked for all things that I might enjoy life;
I was given life that I might enjoy all things.
I got nothing that I had asked for,
but everything that I had hoped for.
Almost despite myself my unspoken prayers were answered;
I am, among all men, most richly blessed.
I’m not sure if Monsignor Van Loon’s homily applied to me a few months ago, but last night’s certainly did. My kids must have kept quiet for a reason.
LIVESTRONG and God Bless!
I’VE NEVER UNDERSTOOD THE CRY ROOM, NEVER HAVE BEEN IN ONE. I THINK ONE OF THE CHURCH’S WE HAVE ATTENDED MAY HAVE HAD ONE; I HAVE SUGGESTED TO MOM’S TO SIT WAY UP FRONT,(MY OPINION), TELL THE KIDS THE PRIEST IS SPEAKING; WE NEED TO BE QUIET. LET THEM HEAR THE BELL RING, LET THEM SEE ALL THE GOINGS ON. ANYHOW, IT WORKED FOR ME. SAW A MOM IN CHURCH SUNDAY SHE SAT NEAR US, HALF WAY FROM FRONT AND OPEN UP THE BAG……….CHEESE, JUICE, GAMES, CRACKERS, CHEERIOS, PENS, ETC. THE CHILD DID NOT EVEN KNOW THEY WERE IN CHURCH. TOO MUCH STUFF TO KEEP THEM SUPPOSEDLY QUIET……..
Oh MY…. I REGRESS. TOO MUCH WINE WAITING FOR THE STORM.
I TOO HEARD THE UNANSWERED PRAYERS THIS DAY; AS LONG AS YOU STAY IN THE GAME YOU WILL BE FULFILLED.
THERE IS LIFE AFTER THIS: THERE IS LIFE AFTER CANCER: YOU HAVE NOT DANCED YOUR LAST DANCE, YOU HAVE NOT LAUGHED YOUR LAST LAUGH, YOU HAVE NOT LOVED TO YOUR FULLEST, YOU HAVE NOT…………… MUCH MORE.
THERE IS HOPE IN JESUS.
CONTINUED PRAYERS FOR YOU BARB AND YOUR FAMILY.
PS. sorry about the cry room vents; sorta. maybe my church going neighbor is reading this.
Love you Barb! Thinking of you! I have all but given up on holy days, but brought the kids tonight to 7 pm mass. I was thankful Elena didnt use the kneeler as a tramploine tonight like she did on Sunday. We don’t have a cry room, so everyone sees how good or bad they are, and many people, including our monsignor, have given me pep talks along the way to encourage me to bring them. So glad you were able to hear the nice homily. Tonight was about being, happy, and therefore being blessed. I hope you are finding many little or big happy and blessed moments every day to keep up your fabulous self. You are in our thoughts and prayers, Nancy
Thank you for sharing so much of your life. The prayer you posted contains so much truth and wisdom. You and your beautiful family are in our prayers. God bless you.
bernie
I adore your blog and all of your posts Barb but this one really hit home. I always thought I was the only one who has not heard a homily since having kids. I have been so wrapped up in their behavior and how long would it take before we would have to leave that i never could pay attention. I hope I have my perfect mass in the cry room someday, too. 😉
As always thank you for sharing! Wishing you love and laughter, Tiff
Thanks for sharing that Barb. Sometimes you just need to read something a few times for it to sink in and start gaining a new outlook on life!