Letters from Canada - 13
April 2014
Father Mark: My adventure at Chuck’s was embarrassing and it was not because I was with an attractive woman and news of it travelled faster than the speed of light to the parish office and the gossip outlets. The embarrassing event was that a woman who did not strike me as very religious advised me to pray for help in finding Mary. Father Leo, a very close friend, always reminds everyone that prayer should not be tried as a last resort but we should turn to God at the beginning of every important undertaking.
When we promise to pray for someone or something, it’s usually out of politeness without any follow up. For many prayer is going to church on Sundays or repeating the standards Our Father and Hail Mary, but it’s a lot more than that. Prayer is talking to God and God responding.
God communicates with us in a variety of ways. Many times through our conscience, sometimes via our family, friends, and strangers, but most often God talks to us through everyday personal experiences. With astute observations we will hear God’s voice in everyday events.
My Prayer
God you know the seriousness of the problem I am facing right now. Mary is in a lot of danger. Kids who leave home under Mary’s circumstance do not fare well in the end. I am concern her story will be another tragedy in the news. I am turning to you for Mary’s safety and help in finding Her. I am aware that sometimes my prayers are not answered. I have yet to recover from Joseph’s suicide, after pleading with You to help me reach Him and convince Him that he was not along and there were people who cared and loved him. But in the end Joseph fell into despair and ended his earthly life.
God’s reply to my prayer
Be reminded that like the oxygen you breathe, I am always nearby aware of your thoughts and prayers and I do answer every prayer. Because My response may not always be exactly what you asked for, does not mean I am ignoring your requests. Sometimes what may seem to you as unanswered prayers are responses that you cannot understand or comprehend right now during your temporary physical life. At your physical death, your soul encompassing your entire entity will transition to a Spiritual Universe. Then you will understand why great and terrible things randomly happen to both good a bad people during their physical lives. Only then will you comprehend why the God of Goodness allows evil to temporarily befall on some of his Children. Only then will you know the entire meaning and purpose of your earthly life.
But for now, you need not shoulder the entire responsibility for Joseph’s death, but learn from it. Many people like Joseph for a multiple of reasons find themselves unable to cope with burdens of life. Sometimes the intentions and efforts of those that try to help them are successful but sometimes they fail. Joseph was tormented by pain not easily understood by you and those who tried to help him. Be assured, Joseph is OK now.
As to Mary you must make every effort to find to Her. As always, there are no guaranties that you will rescue this lost sheep. I will guide, support, and be with you every moment.
---------------------------
Father Mark: William’s personal assistant called me to arrange a meeting with me, Mary’s father William, and my police officer friend Tom, at the parish office
At the scheduled time, my Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) friend Tom, William and his associate Vinny met me in the conference room in the parish office. As we were all sitting down, William in an upset voice opened the discussion.
William: Father Mark you have no business in meddling in my family affairs. Mary is nineteen and moved out of the house. You have no right involving the police or snooping around. I am telling you to quit now whatever you are doing. The Bishop will hear from me about your meddling.
Father Mark: My RCMP friend Tom is here in an unofficial capacity. You ignored all my calls until I mentioned Tom. As pastor of all the families of St. Theresa, my concern also includes the wellbeing of your daughter Mary. I have reason to believe she is in trouble and for now Tom is unofficially helping me find her. If you know where she is, please tell us.
William: Mary has moved out a few weeks ago without leaving a forwarding address. My associate Vinny is instructed to find her new address so that we can send her anything she may need.
Father Mark: Did Mary have a boyfriend or is there anything you can tell us about her friends?
William: Why do you ask about a boyfriend and friends? If you have any information, please share that with Vinny. (Vinny gives his business card to Father Mark).
The meeting ended as it began with tension. My friend Tom stayed behind to warn me to be very careful. He told me that Vinny William’s associate is really a private investigator and at Williams beckoning could cause me harm. He strongly advised me to seek legal consul before continuing.
To be continued in Letters from Canada - 14
Father Mark: My adventure at Chuck’s was embarrassing and it was not because I was with an attractive woman and news of it travelled faster than the speed of light to the parish office and the gossip outlets. The embarrassing event was that a woman who did not strike me as very religious advised me to pray for help in finding Mary. Father Leo, a very close friend, always reminds everyone that prayer should not be tried as a last resort but we should turn to God at the beginning of every important undertaking.
When we promise to pray for someone or something, it’s usually out of politeness without any follow up. For many prayer is going to church on Sundays or repeating the standards Our Father and Hail Mary, but it’s a lot more than that. Prayer is talking to God and God responding.
God communicates with us in a variety of ways. Many times through our conscience, sometimes via our family, friends, and strangers, but most often God talks to us through everyday personal experiences. With astute observations we will hear God’s voice in everyday events.
My Prayer
God you know the seriousness of the problem I am facing right now. Mary is in a lot of danger. Kids who leave home under Mary’s circumstance do not fare well in the end. I am concern her story will be another tragedy in the news. I am turning to you for Mary’s safety and help in finding Her. I am aware that sometimes my prayers are not answered. I have yet to recover from Joseph’s suicide, after pleading with You to help me reach Him and convince Him that he was not along and there were people who cared and loved him. But in the end Joseph fell into despair and ended his earthly life.
God’s reply to my prayer
Be reminded that like the oxygen you breathe, I am always nearby aware of your thoughts and prayers and I do answer every prayer. Because My response may not always be exactly what you asked for, does not mean I am ignoring your requests. Sometimes what may seem to you as unanswered prayers are responses that you cannot understand or comprehend right now during your temporary physical life. At your physical death, your soul encompassing your entire entity will transition to a Spiritual Universe. Then you will understand why great and terrible things randomly happen to both good a bad people during their physical lives. Only then will you comprehend why the God of Goodness allows evil to temporarily befall on some of his Children. Only then will you know the entire meaning and purpose of your earthly life.
But for now, you need not shoulder the entire responsibility for Joseph’s death, but learn from it. Many people like Joseph for a multiple of reasons find themselves unable to cope with burdens of life. Sometimes the intentions and efforts of those that try to help them are successful but sometimes they fail. Joseph was tormented by pain not easily understood by you and those who tried to help him. Be assured, Joseph is OK now.
As to Mary you must make every effort to find to Her. As always, there are no guaranties that you will rescue this lost sheep. I will guide, support, and be with you every moment.
---------------------------
Father Mark: William’s personal assistant called me to arrange a meeting with me, Mary’s father William, and my police officer friend Tom, at the parish office
At the scheduled time, my Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) friend Tom, William and his associate Vinny met me in the conference room in the parish office. As we were all sitting down, William in an upset voice opened the discussion.
William: Father Mark you have no business in meddling in my family affairs. Mary is nineteen and moved out of the house. You have no right involving the police or snooping around. I am telling you to quit now whatever you are doing. The Bishop will hear from me about your meddling.
Father Mark: My RCMP friend Tom is here in an unofficial capacity. You ignored all my calls until I mentioned Tom. As pastor of all the families of St. Theresa, my concern also includes the wellbeing of your daughter Mary. I have reason to believe she is in trouble and for now Tom is unofficially helping me find her. If you know where she is, please tell us.
William: Mary has moved out a few weeks ago without leaving a forwarding address. My associate Vinny is instructed to find her new address so that we can send her anything she may need.
Father Mark: Did Mary have a boyfriend or is there anything you can tell us about her friends?
William: Why do you ask about a boyfriend and friends? If you have any information, please share that with Vinny. (Vinny gives his business card to Father Mark).
The meeting ended as it began with tension. My friend Tom stayed behind to warn me to be very careful. He told me that Vinny William’s associate is really a private investigator and at Williams beckoning could cause me harm. He strongly advised me to seek legal consul before continuing.
To be continued in Letters from Canada - 14