The Cardinal and the Crook

One particular incident that would always remain with John was when a young woman died during childbirth. The infant also died. The father and his two young sons were heartbroken. They were angry at God and could not understand why he was punishing them. They felt that God had deserted them.

Father Al patiently listened to their tearful venting. Then he spoke to them in a gentle and soothing way. “You’re feeling a lot of sadness, anger, pain, and confusion right now. That’s human and very normal. God doesn’t choose to hurt us, and he never deserts us . . . especially not during difficult times. Remember, God’s way is much different than our way! He knows everything, but we cannot possibly know the mind of God. We know that Jesus felt pity for the widow who lost her only son. We know that he grieved when his friend L azarus died. So, we know that the S on of God understands the pain we feel when we lose someone we care about. We also know that G od the Father loved his son and was very proud of him. Yet, he allowed Jesus to die the most horrible death imaginable so that we all could be saved. Why would he do that? Wasn’t there an easier way? Like I said, God’s way is not our way. Sometimes, we just accept that it is his will! Even Jesus had this experience the night before he died. He knew that he was going to die a very painful death. So, he asked his father if it could be avoided . . . but only . . . only if it was God’s will.”

Father Al paused for a moment, gently touched the shoulder of each boy and their father, and then continued, “Your wife . . . your mother . . . was a wonderful person. It was always such a pleasure to see her. She had the ability to brighten a room with her mere presence. Her laughter was like beautiful music. We will all miss her! And your baby sister would have been just like her mother. Now both of them are in heaven with God. They are enjoying that beautiful banquet that Jesus described, and they are looking down and praying for each of you. They have become your very special guardian angels. Whenever you are troubled—like you are now—or struggling with some challenge, their spirit will be with you, helping to guide you and lift you up.”

John listened to the words of Father Al and then observed how the anger and pain appeared to lift from the father and his sons. A warm calmness seemed to surround them. They hugged the old priest and thanked him. In that moment, John realized that his brother was his special guardian angel and remembered how his brother’s image had flashed before him just before he was ready to attack Monsignor Mike nearly six years before. This had been the lowest  point in his life, and his brother’s spirit had lifted him up. This was an extremely powerful lesson, and he vowed to never forget it.