Pio's Proverb 81: "Thanks for the Jesus I see in you!"

During today's homily, Fr. Nick gave a beautiful talk on holy Marriage. All the readings pointed to this them. What he did that was a little surprising was to give an admonition to all married people in church to tell their husband or wife this loving word: "Thank you for the Jesus I see in you!"  It was insighful and instructional and affirming. After Mass, Bill, who has been battling cancer of the jaw for 2 years, turned to me and said: "Thank you for the Jesus I see in you."  Seems Bill felt this affirmation was for friends as well. He kindness touched me since he was the suffering one. But also, I was touched because he really meant what he was saying. I could feel it. It made me feel that Jesus could be seen in me: something that I am not always aware of. So, I thought I would pass on this good feeling to another. I saw Fr. Nick after Mass coming from the sacristy into the pew area. I walked up to him to give him his own words back. I started to say: "Thank you...." But he started to talk to Dolores who needed his attention. But after finishing with Dolores who I ususally walk to her car because of her bad knees, Fr. Nick turned to  me and said: "Thank you, Peter, for the Jesus I see in you!"  He must have known I was going to say that first. But his saying it to me deeply affirmed me. He is another Christ. Yet he was humble to tell me he saw Jesus in me.  That was such a grace for me.

Outside Bill and I talked for a while. Fr. Nick had left the church. But then all of a sudden Fr. Nick came walking briskly up the sidewalk we were occupying. I moved out of the way saying, "Angels move away to let a priest pass." He smiled and silently passed bye.

You, know, because of Bill, everyone in the church started to tell that loving word to one another. He really started something. And, for sure, I am saying to you: "Thank you, dear reader, for the Jesus I see in you."

Lord Jesus, give us so to love You and others for You that they will see You in us. Imprint on our souls the image of yourself as you did imprient your image on the veil of Veronica during the road to calvary. So be in us that everyone who sees us or hears us or reads us will see You, hear You and read You. Bless Fr. Nick with great health and happiness - now and always. In Your Name. Amen.

Love, Pio