Father Ignatius nodded a greeting and sat on the other side of the church, by St Joseph’s statue, for a change. He thought it prudent to give the young man some privacy to pray or meditate. He’d never seen him before, “not one of our regulars,” thought the priest as he started his prayers.
A few minutes later the young man got up and made his way towards the priest.
“Do you work here?” he asked hesitantly.
“Yes … I am the priest here, they call me Ignatius. At least to my face, that is,” joked the priest standing up.
“I saw a book at the back about Catholic Saints. May I purchase it please?”
“Oh, you’re welcome to it … it’s free. Please help yourself to any leaflets or pamphlets on the table at the back,” replied Father Ignatius.
“I am not from this side of town,” continued the young man, “I’m here for a job interview at the factory down the road. I was surprised to find the church open at this hour. Where I live they are always closed.”
“It’s the devil’s finest hour when we lock our churches,” replied Father Ignatius, “we try to leave the door open as much as we can around here .”
“It’s a shame that so many churches are closed during the middle of the day … I like to go from time to time and just sit there … it helps me to think … and pray perhaps … you know, before my interview. I really need this job.”
“I wish you well … and I shall pray for you too.”
The priest sat down and so did the young man. “Ah … I’ve been asked this so many times … the statues are of course inanimate objects just to help us envisage what Jesus or the Saints looked like. Just like having a photo of a loved one in your wallet. A helpful reminder every time you look at it …
“Some people consider it wrong to pray or light candles to statues. I understand that sentiment. But it’s important to understand also that we’re of course praying to Jesus or a Saint and certainly not to the statue we see there.
“It’s also important to understand that Jesus or the Saints do not require anything material from us … they don’t need candles lit … flowers put in vases or any such things …
“Lighting a candle is for many people a sign of love and respect. Their way of veneration … an expression of their Faith.
“So the answer is no … a candle will not help get you a job at the factory or anything else for that matter.
“I’ve lit many a candle in my time. I don’t see any harm in it, as long as it is understood that it will not buy you any favours in any way.
“God does answer prayers, I’ve seen it often, but He does so according to His will and not based on candles, flowers or such like.”
“Thank you …” said the young man, “I’ll light one all the same … but no promise or guarantee intended.” he smiled.
“Should you get the job around here … I hope to see you visit us from time to time,” said Father Ignatius as he shook the young man’s hand.
It seems that this time God was willing, and the young man did get his job, because Father Ignatius saw him sitting at the back of the church at midday Mass on several occasions since.
A beautiful story.
ReplyDeleteIt brought tears to my eyes and peace to my soul.
God's Blessings ✝
Thank you Jan. Praying for you.
DeleteGod bless.
Lovely. Yes, we pray and G-d changes us even if He doesn't directly answer our prayers. Nice story.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Mimi.
DeleteGod bless always.
Even in story form, I appreciate this explanation!
ReplyDeleteSad about 'closed' churches, yes. But! In recent months, some of our church volunteers have been approached by -- how should I put this? -- strangers on foot, down on their luck. In last week's case, they gave the woman nourishment and a bus ticket home. However, the subject of personal safety was raised amongst the group -- particularly, on days when the church secretary is there by herself.
Sad to hear your story about your church, Mevely. Over here our church has had to install security cameras and security lights everywhere outside and around the perimeter. Also non-climbing paint and defences to stop intruders from climbing on top of the roof. The church is often locked and so are the offices. Even when one person, (church secretary), is in working alone.
DeleteThe devil is rubbing his hands and laughing.
God bless.
Another touching and uplifting story, Victor. Thank you so much for brightening my Sunday.
ReplyDeleteBlessings!
Thank you so much for your visit and kind words, Martha.
DeleteGod bless you.
Nice story, Victor. I've sat in churches every now and then just to think and reflect. I find it very soothing and peaceful.
ReplyDeleteThank you!
I agree, Bill. It is so comforting to just sit there in peace for a while.
DeleteGod bless you always.
I did wonder about the candles, thanks for explaining.
ReplyDeleteHappyone, a lot of Catholics get it all wrong, unsurprisingly. They think that by lighting candles, placing flowers in vases in front of statues, or saying special prayers like the Rosary; then God or the Saints will grant them favours. It doesn't work this way. And the Church bears some guilt by not explaining it to the miss-guided faithful.
DeleteGod bless.
I was moved by your story. When I see a church while visiting a town I make it a habit to light a candle and say thanks for all the blessings I have received and pray for people who need strenght and encouragement.
ReplyDeleteHi Alexandria,
DeleteHow nice to see you visiting me here. Thanx. Please call again and often; and invite your friends too.
Yes, it is nice to light a candle every now and then; as long as we don't believe that it will buy us any favours. I've lit candles often.
God bless.
Nice!
ReplyDeleteThank you.
DeleteGod bless.
"God does answer prayers, I’ve seen it often, but He does so according to His will and not based on candles, flowers or such like.”
ReplyDeleteAmen. I'm so grateful that we simply come with faith, nothing in our hands, our hearts expectant.
Yes indeed, Linda.
DeleteGod bless you.