“Be not forgetful of prayer. Every time you pray, if your prayer is sincere, there will be new feeling and new meaning in it, which will give you fresh courage, and you will understand that prayer is an education.”
― Fyodor Dostoyevsky, The Brothers Karamazov
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It was a strange morning. I left a little earlier than usual for 9o’clock Mass, as it was Easter Sunday, and it was sure to be crowded at St. Gabriel’s. Oh my! Not only was the entire lot jammed, the side grassy areas over the curbs were filled with cars. I drove around a while and couldn’t find a spot. So, I decided to leave, hang out at McDonald’s for a little bit, then catch the next Mass.
As I stood in line at McD’s, I thought, this is crazy. I’ll have the same dilemma later, so I went home, looked up the Mass schedule for St. Michael’s on the east side of town. There was an 11:30 service. Perfect! I arrived a little after 11, had no trouble parking, and it was a beautiful Mass. I’d never been to this church, but always wanted to visit.
As an added bonus, after Mass, I was able to go up next to the altar and light a candle by the statue of Our lady of Guadalupe. Funny candle story… I was looking all over for that long, thin stick, lighter thingy that lights the candle, only to discover a tiny red push button that lights an electrical pretend flame in the votive. Ay, technology! Then, to the right of the Virgin was a St. Joseph statue. Even better. I had my St. Joseph statue in my purse that Sherry gave me that will help me sell my house. I know, I know! it sounds crazy, but it works. If you aren’t familiar with the back story, just look up St. Joseph and selling your house. So, I said my prayer to St. Joseph and will bury him tomorrow.
Our Lady of Guadalupe. She’s a little blurry because I was trying to discreetly take a picture.
I said my special prayer and asked for His blessing.
After church, I was invited to Sherri and Michael Murphy’s for brunch. It was a lovely family gathering, complete with an Easter egg hunt for the grand-kids, and massive quantities of delicious food. I felt just like part of the family. I hope they adopt me because Sherri is a wonderful cook. Then, I stopped to visit Lynne and Charlie who live just a couple streets away.
My day started out a little shaky, but it turned out to be filled with special prayers, blessings, and friendship. Later in the evening, both my sons called and we talked for a long time, making my day truly blessed.
Toni Andrukaitis 
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