In 1939, a father and son, who were avid art collectors, were living in peace. When the United States became involved in WWII, the son enlisted in the army. In 1944, the son died on the battlefield. The sad news arrived by telegram at the father’s home. And about a year later, a young man appeared at the father’s country estate...
The young man said, “Sir, you do not know me, but I served in the war with your son." He continued, "I want you to know that when your son died, it was quick, and he did not suffer.”
Then the young man handed a package to the father, saying, “Sir, I would like you to have this. It is rough, but I did my best to capture your son’s spirit with this portrait. Your son was my friend; he saved my life.”
The father was filled with gratitude as he unwrapped the painting and gazed upon the image of his son.
Several months later, the father himself died, leaving a large country estate and an extensive and valuable art collection.
Since there were no heirs, his estate held an auction to sell off the valuable pieces of art and properties. During the auction, the auctioneer began by offering the painting of the young soldier, the deceased man’s son. “Who will start the bidding with $200….silence, How about $100? Still no bidders.
Finally an impatient bidder yelled, “Forget this rough piece. Let’s get on with the auction!” Another voice yelled out from the crowd, “Yes, bring on the Rembrandts and the Van Gogh's.”
Then suddenly, from the back of the room came a soft-spoken man, the gardener on the father’s estate.
He gardener said, “I bid $10 for the picture. It’s all I have.”
The Auctioneer, boomed out, "Sold to this man for $10!” Then he surprised everyone by saying the auction had ended.
The father had left clear and detailed instructions before his passing. The auctioneer continued, saying, "The deceased made the following request: 'There should be an auction, and my son’s portrait should be offered up first. Then, whoever purchases the painting is to receive not only the portrait of my son, but the entire art collection and the acres of land on which rests the homestead.'" The mansion was a large and stately, the art collection was extremely valuable, and the land was expansive and beautiful.
The auctioneer concluded, "That’s it, no more bids. The auction is over."
Friends, we have just celebrated the Feast of the Ascension. Our Lord ascended with our human flesh to be seated at the right hand of the Father. The angels and all the heavenly hosts are in awe of his Ascension.
By Baptism, we are members of the Body of Christ, part of the great family of God.
We have been surprised and blessed with a treasure more splendid and valuable than a great estate and rich art collection.
We and our families now have hope of following where Christ our Head has Gone. His Holy Spirit comes to us, dwells in us and makes this great treasure ours.
All we need to do is accept it and live it.
Amen.
- Father Willy's inspirational homily was recorded live this morning during Mass at the Father Peyton Center. Please view the video on our Facebook page. (You don't need a Facebook account to view.)
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