Last Monday, I was driving to Holy Martyrs Church early in the morning to say my morning prayers.

It was still dark outside, and frost could easily be seen on the roads, streetlights, sidewalks and lawns.

I was reminded that, despite it being the holy season leading to Christmas Day, many people might be suffering from loneliness and sadness at this time of the year, due to the death of a loved one or illnesses that others may be facing. For those suffering, their feeling frozen in time due to that suffering might make the holidays hard to face.

Let us help those who are so affected. Let us say a prayer each day for the lonely, for those in pain, and for those who have lost a loved one (especially if this is the first Christmas without that person.)

Let us pray that God’s healing touch, which is beyond comprehension, may bring peace to anyone who is suffering, and then let us reach out to that person to help bridge this sad time in any way that might be helpful. May God give each of us the grace to do this. 



By: Deacon Tom Gryzbek