The Lord is Close to the Brokenhearted - Family Reflection Video

We have just heard in today’s Psalm (Ps. 34) that “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted…” Over this past weekend, I spoke with a number of people about ordinary things: a mechanic about my brakes that were shot, a computer help person about what we thought was an internet problem and yet was just an unplugged power cord (after over two hours on the phone!), and friends who were just catching up on everyday life and able to find the humor in it.  

But I also spoke to four people who have either just lost a parent or spouse or will soon. In each case, there was heartache. Every story had different circumstances, age, family situations, past experiences, and level of connection to God. 

The last person I spoke with is a man with a deep faith who has helped countless people in their most difficult moments. In fact, when my own Mom was nearing her journey home to God, he wrote an incredibly timely note of encouragement, compassion, and faith that helped me immensely.  

In part, he wrote, “Our (caring for a loved one) can bring us to an even deeper place in our soul wherein reside the graces of trust, hope, and faith. Therein we are being enriched…formed with new dimensions of compassion and understanding, making us more able to fulfill the missions to which we have been called.”  

(The front of the note had a beautiful depiction of mystical multicolored clouds in the sky with the verse, “Be still and know that I am God.” (Ps. 46:11)) 

God works through people like my friend, Deacon John, who, at the time of his writing me, had been faithfully caring for his wife for years. This past week, his wife went home to God, and on Sunday, it was my turn to reciprocate God’s compassion and care for those whose spirits are crushed by the weight of losing someone so dear. 

At the heart of our faith in God is trust that God truly cares for us, that His Word that we listen to and read can cause our souls to be fertile and fruitful, not just in the abstract, but in the actual events of our lives, especially the most difficult. God promises that His Word, like the rain and snow which waters the earth, will not return until it produces seed and bread. To me, the seed is planted in our souls, and the bread is the final product which nourishes us when we hunger in so many of life’s moments. 

At the end of our conversation, Deacon John said to me, "You know, Father Dave, it really comes down to our trust in God, even in the hardest moments." To which I repeated today’s psalm, God’s Word, reassuring him in what he knew and believed, but needed to hear from a friend, “That the Lord is close to the brokenhearted and those who are crushed in spirit He saves.” 

My brothers and sisters, may we listen with open hearts and minds to the Word of God…and those around us who need to receive God’s love through His Word…and our words and actions in His service. 

• Today’s readings

• Father David'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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