A Challenge

See the Face of God in everyone. - St. Catherine Labouré

St. Catherine Labouré was a Daughter of Charity in France to whom Mary is said to have appeared with instructions to develop a medal which has become known as the Miraculous Medal. My grandmother gave me my first Medal when I was diagnosed with a benign tumor at the age of 21. I wore it for many years but then just carried one around with me until recently when I lost it. That one was from Paris. I think of Gram every time I see one.

While in Paris one year, I stumbled across the chapel on Rue du Bac, where the incorruptible body of St. Catherine is, and arrived just in time for mass. The white chapel was a bright and welcome change from all the dark and gothic (but beautiful in their own way) cathedrals I had been exploring while in Europe.

I do not really know much about St. Catherine but I like this quote. We are all the face of God in this world. We encounter God in each person on our path, we who are made in God’s own likeness. Today, I saw God in the face of my physiotherapist who helps to heal me, a cashier who made me laugh, and a saleswoman who was very kind and helpful. I am sure tonight when I gather with friends for supper God will be there. When I join a kind friend who invited me to the theatre afterwards, God will be there. God will be in the faces of the actors as I watch the play too.

If we treated everyone like God and said things to God’s face, what would change in how we behave? Would we drive differently? Would we hold our tongue more often? Would we be more lavish in our praise? Would we be more honest about what we are thinking or feeling? See the face of God in everyone in the next day or so and see if anything changes for you. I dare you!

Peace,

Suzanne