You might recall in the Rumination article that I wrote for the weekend of January 22^nd, that I recently came back from retirement to work once again for the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration who own the Franciscan Health Hospitals in Northwest Indiana. I am working for 90 days until a couple of people return from a leave of absence.

A few people have asked me how it is going. I respond to such questions stating that things are going well due to the help of all who are assisting me in getting reoriented with the things that I used to do.

I have been asked if I miss retirement. I respond that I miss spending time with my wife and family. I also miss assisting at daily Mass as a deacon and spending time in silent prayer before Mass. Last week, though, I had the special privilege of witnessing a staff member at one of the hospitals assist a mother who was grieving the unexpected death of her son.

The staff member prayed with the mother, cried with the mother, held the mother’s hand, and helped the mother find a momentary bit of peace amidst agonizing grief. I saw Jesus in disguise in the employee and felt God working through that employee to help the mother and those involved. It was a holy moment. It was a growth moment for all present, teaching us how to humbly be the working hands of our loving Jesus.

I once again was reminded to look for Jesus’ presence in our lives. He is always present. When we see him, we are left with the grace of wonder and awe. I was. I am humbled and thankful for this experience.  

The noun, rumination, means a deep considered thought about something.

-By Deacon Tom Gryzbek