We are not alone.

An aspect of grief is the anger felt over abandonment by the one whom you love who is gone. And fear of abandonment causes much sorrow as well. Because of their particular circumstances and sufferings, there are many people who are afraid that God has abandoned them, or are angry because they are sure He has done so. Jesus was well aware of this aspect of human nature and so seeks to alleviate our fears. He promised that He would not leave us orphans, but that He would come to us. The Lord does so through the gift of the Holy Spirit, as well as through the Sacraments, especially the Eucharist. So we should not be afraid.

As I mentioned yesterday, my parents today celebrate 58 years of marriage. They met on a blind date two years to the day before their wedding. They have seven children, 14 grandchildren. Mom and Dad put us all through Catholic school for 12 years each. And they paid for most of our first time through college. I am grateful for their marriage and wish them happiness now and forever. I love you Mom and Dad!