Last Friday, my wife, Marilyn, and I had the privilege of attending the Mass to celebrate Bishop McClory’s 25^th Anniversary of his priesthood at Holy Angels Cathedral in Gary. It was a beautiful liturgy, and the Bishop’s homily and his reflection on the momentous occasion was heartfelt and moving.

Knowing that we would have the chance to extend a personal greeting to the Bishop after Mass, both Marilyn and I wanted to look nice for the reception that was to be held afterwards. I wore a nice pair of black dress pants with a white shirt and dinner jacket. Marilyn looked particularly nice, wearing a blue pantsuit with a beautiful blouse and matching jacket, and her favorite pair of blue shoes.

As we were waiting in the reception line to greet the Bishop after Mass, Marilyn said she felt a bit embarrassed. She said she had not worn her favorite blue shoes in quite a while, and she found out during Mass that something was sticking out of one of the shoes. As she looked down, to her dismay, she saw the side of the shoe was torn and hanging. Then, upon further observation, she realized that the opposite shoe also seemed to be falling apart.

As any good husband would say in such a situation, I simply said, “You look beautiful. Don’t worry about the shoes. I doubt anyone will notice”.

I found myself reflecting on that conversation afterwards. I bet if Jesus was physically present there and talked to Marilyn (and understanding her embarrassment,) He would say with gentle kindness, “I love you just as you are. You are my beloved child. Just continue to be the good person that I know you are. Don’t worry about life’s trappings”.

I think Jesus says the same thing to each of us, “I love you just as you are with whatever shortcomings or imperfections are attached to your life. All I ask is that you love Me in return.”

How wonderful it is to be so loved.

By: Deacon Tom Gryzbek