Stand in the Rain
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I held this sign in 36 degree temps in the rain. I couldn’t hold both the umbrella and the sign and so I reconciled with the rain.
The sign eventually started to wilt so I stuck it to a pole and just stood, with nothing to hold, but committed to being present and counted.
I got kind of uncomfortable (shaking uncontrollably actually) and started to think of all of the people who are more uncomfortable than I. And their images kept me standing there.
I am privileged... able to go home to my warm house, put on dry clothes, and eat a good meal surrounded by my loved ones and many hugs and kisses.
I have people to console me when I’m down or sick. And I can move about freely to serve others.
I thought of Beth. A lot. And all who can’t leave their homes or their wheelchairs or beds at will.
When I accept minimal discomforts on behalf of those who are being oppressed, injured, and pushed into hardship and despair...
I feel much shame that I do not do more.
I have noticed images of the US Constitution going around online am shocked to see Catholics taking offense at the image. As if there is something inherently problematic with freedom.
There is... it’s called concupiscence. But God still permits it. He allows us to choose. And freedom used well is how our Lord uses us to serve. Our hands are bound when we are enslaved... in body, mind, and soul.
Our Constitution is great because it has the audacity to affirm the laws of God. And to guarantee freedom... but not freedom from risk.
Ven. Fulton Sheen said this of America:
“We are destined under Providence to be the secondary cause for the restoration of the freedom and liberation of the peoples of the world. God is the primary cause...
America is a sanctuary for the oppressed. An arsenal for Democracy. The pantry for the world.”
He felt this deeply because his passion was the missions. He saw the poverty of mind and spirit caused by tyrants and socialist systems. And he saw the power of the free to relieve the suffering of the enslaved.
We are throwing it away in the hope of securing our temporal comfort. But that is a false hope...
Stand in the rain with me. Please. ☀️