Just A Thought Or Two . . .
Jesus Said, “If You Love Me Keep My Commandments”
The family lived across the street from a big urban hospital. To help supplement their income, they rented out their basement apartment to day patients who needed a place to stay overnight.
One cold and rainy spring evening, a young man rang the doorbell and asked if a room was available for the night. The mother graciously invited him into her home and took him to the basement apartment. She then invited him to join the family for dinner. The children eyed the young man. No one mentioned the birthmark that covered the left side of his face or the arm that hung silently at his side.
The young man told them stories about his life on the farm. His father said that he could get anything to grow. The orchards that surrounded their fields boasted the best apples in the county. The young man thanked the family for their hospitality and said good-bye since he was taking the train home after his morning appointment.
Through the next few months, the young man visited often. He never complained about his infirmities. He always arrived with fresh fruit and vegetables. The family welcomed his peaceful ways and grateful heart.
Neighbors and family members often asked the mother why she let “that awful looking man” stay in her home. Surely, she could get other renters. The wise mother never reacted in anger to the negative remarks. She simply asked them to join her family for dinner when the young man was visiting. No one accepted her offer.
One night the young man said that the doctors had done all they could do. No longer would there be monthly trips into the city. Through the years, as the children grew up and left for college, bags of fresh produce mysteriously arrived on the front porch. The family often remembered their friend in prayer.
One afternoon, an older man knocked on the door. His arms were loaded with bags of beautiful apples. Cautiously, he checked the address so neatly written on the small card. Yes, this was the right house. A little girl shyly opened the door. Her grandmother invited him in. The man explained that his son has spent many hours sharing stories about the kindest family in the city. Before he died, he asked his father to take one last gift to his beloved city family.
As the man got ready to leave, the little girl handed him her handmade ceramic pot. It was a bit lopsided and had a crack down one side. However, within the vase was a most glorious bloom. The grieving father accepted the gift. “This is just like my son. His body protected a most amazing spirit. God isn’t concerned about appearances. God sees the heart.”
On Sunday we hear St. John’s Gospel. Jesus said to His disciples, “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” Jesus asks us to love God and to love each other. Daily we have the opportunity to live these commandments. Learning to see beyond appearances is certainly a springtime lesson worth practicing.
Please come and pray with us: Feast of the Ascension, Thursday, May 29th, at 1:45 p.m. in All Saints Church. Hosted by the 6th Grade.