Thanks be to God.☀️🙏🏻

She arrived in our town, frail, lost and all alone. Our privilege to share and care, as gradually she grew strong in mind and body. Remarkable transformation right before our very eyes. Then, one fine day she just took off without a word. No goodbye, nothing. Last we heard she is doing well in another town, another county.

Of course we are happy to know she is well but this morning I was thinking to myself how odd that she would take her leave of us in such a cold careless way. 

Still deep in thought when the words: ‘So you were looking for thanks!’, fluttered into my deepest heart. Holy Spirit wisdom, no doubt. No mistaking wonderful Holy Spirit when He speaks. Strength-giving and comforting at all times.

How often have I impressed upon impoverished folk: ‘We are sharing God’s stuff. He owns everything’, meaning, as much as I was able, every word from my deepest heart. However, those same words will mean a whole lot more going forward. God does actually own everything. All thanks is due only to God alone.

What a gift to my heart. I knew it before but now I feel it with every fibre of my being. We own nothing except our free will!

Soon after, another lady called, ecstatically telling me that her husband and family will be joining her in Ireland soon, please God. Our first meeting, that lady and I, remains forever in my heart, deep trauma darkening her beautiful face. Just nodding, she spoke not a single word. Today she is laughing and thanking God at the same time. I am too. ‘God did it’, she utters joyfully. ‘Dear Mother Mary in charge of everything’. Transformation extraordinaire!

This evening, strolling with yet another exquisite lady from a land far far away. Countless complications to contend with but like all our visitors, she thanks God for bringing her to this place of peace.

Folk marooned in our town, owning nothing but possessing everything! They know God. God knows them. Know God, know peace. No God, no peace.

Our teachers in disguise, each and every one of them. All will be revealed in God’s own time. God owns everything. We merely His stewards.

‘O my God, teach me to be generous, to serve you as you deserve to be served, to give without counting the cost, to fight without fear of being wounded, to work without seeking rest, and to spend myself without expecting any reward, but the knowledge that I am doing Your Holy Will. Amen’.        (St. Ignatius of Loyola)