Making Metaphors

There are some things that I do because I have to do them, not because I want to do them. Like going to the dentist. Like taking my gigantic labradoodle in for a grooming appointment.

Like taking my perfectly-fine car in for a tune-up. The manufacturer has a recommended schedule for tune-ups. Sometimes, there is little for for them to do. Oil change. That kind of thing. And it doesn't take long, and it doesn't cost much.

Not so today. Today's tune-up will take at least three hours and cost about $600.

I'd like to blow it off. I'd like to stay home and clean the house. Do some laundry. Write a blog posting or two.

Being Catholic has changed everything, even the way I approach unpleasant errands, like car tune-ups.

Everything can be turned into a metaphor for intercessory prayer. Heaven knows, there are many Catholics out there who continue to receive the Eucharist, even though their souls are not in right order. Going to confession is more unpleasant to them than taking a car in for a costly tune-up. But it is far more necessary than automotive upkeep. Yet they put it off. Today, I'm offering up my little errand for them.

I'm praying that they don't wait for a total breakdown.

I'm praying that they don't decide to do silly little household chores instead.

I'm praying that they don't consider the cost at all - the cost of time, embarassment, or inconvenience.

Just that they go.

Making Metaphors

Praying for the Conversion of a Soul

I'm praying for somebody. And I mean praying. This person doesn't know I'm praying for him, and if he did, he'd be shocked to know how radically, fervently, incessantly I am praying.

A few years back, a certain country song was on the radio. I think it was called "No one needs to know right now." Maybe you know it. The woman goes about making plans (in her head) for the relationship that she hopes will one day come to fruition. She's making mental wedding plans, and the young man doesn't even know she is bonkers over him.

Nobody, not even the young man, has any idea that she has her heart set on this relationship. And for now, she's okay with that.

Right now, my prayers are for the soul of one who has no idea that I am praying. And I'm okay with that. But everything I'm doing, everything I'm eating (or not eating), every tiny cross (or not so tiny cross) is going into this intercession. Nothing is left on the floor. Everything is offered up.

And like the woman on the radio, I'm sharing this with you. But no one (else) needs to know right now.

Especially him.

Oh my Jesus, forgive us our sins. Save us from the fires of hell. Lead all souls to heaven, especially those most in need of thy mercy. Amen

Praying for the Conversion of a Soul