Every Sparrow Comes Before Him

       It’s been a very busy, often hectic time for the family and I. Weeks and weeks of days filled to the brim, not only with the gold of good work and family joys but also of the deep needs for prayer. An aged relative entered palliative care. A close friend underwent spinal surgery and suffered some setbacks. Another’s scan showed an ominous lesion on her liver. Online buddies contended with surprise after surprise, some clearly not welcomed. Another relative summarily announced she was coming to lunch on a day when we were so exhausted from being out the whole of the previous day and there was some scrambling to put together a hearty meal.

       But there were also miracles sewn into the lining of those many days. An unexpected turn led to me finally opening up very slightly to a relative about my incidents in my life that led to my decision to go no contact with some core members of my family. Although I barely went beyond the surface of things, whatever I said had a profound effect on this relative who had never before supported my decision. On that day, he broke down and told me he would never again ask me to return to what God had led me away from. I had not expected such a reaction and in fact, wondered if I should have said anything at all due to the distress it had caused this gentle soul.

Then, I saw the date of our conversation.

It was on the final day of May, Mother Mary’s May.

It was on the Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

I smiled at the significance and all the clouds fled from my heart. Just as She had set out to the hill country of Judah to go to care for her cousin Elizabeth, thousands of years later, the Mother of God had come to my aid when I least expected it, to untie a knot tightened over the years by silence and misunderstanding.

       And so, the days march on, weaving their hearts into June’s uncertain meadows. Some days the weeds loom stronger. Plans are upset and things happen to annoy. The energy just doesn’t come and before one chore is done, five more line up demanding your attention. Some days, angels’ wings spread wide and far across the impossible bright of blue skies, and I arrive to late hours to learn yet again, the sweetness of miracles of answered prayers.

       Today, my Lord reminded me again of His April entreaty, Let Me wash your feet, bringing to the fore of my mind, Our Lady and all the angels and saints He has sent to accompany me on my days. No matter how much of a sparrow we are, no matter how sparrow our needs may seem against the larger conundrums of life, His yearning to love and to teach, to care and to bless, is ever eternal.

       Thus, no plea, no praise, no thanksgiving escapes Him. Our every sparrow comes before Him.