Today, I stood in the hallway of the Commons just before Mass. I was hoping my standing there in my alb, stole and dalmatic would draw some of the students into Mass at 11:40, but alas, they all walked by, looking for their rides, etc... I thought how sad that none of them would want to go to Mass, to share their relief of having taken more final today with God. Then a Sophomore boy walked up to me with a huge smile on his face and shared with me that he'd received a 100% on his Biology final exam. He was eating a Hershey Bar, which is my favorite, and to my surprise, he offered me some. I thanked him but declined as I was about to go into the chapel for Mass. He insisted on sharing it with me and said to just wait till after Mass. He then set it at the feet of Mary's statue, wished me well, and walked out into the sunshine. As I reflect on that little moment, I am overcome with thanksgiving to be in a position to benefit from what to him was a small gift, but to me was huge. The fact is we are surrounded each day with opportunities to work the gospel, but are we in a headspace to do it? We have to be thinking about others in order to even make that jump. The thing of it is, I don't think that boy who shared his chocolate was thinking in theological terms at all, I think he was just happy, and wanted to share his happiness with someone else. The chocolate was accidental; but the beatitude was essential. And so my heart was lifted today by a boy that walked right by the chapel on his way out the door. The chocolate was fantastic and my ride home on the bike will be even better. May God richly bless you today; I thank you for reading these words and hope they bring you encouragement AND chocolate. St. Rita, pray for us!
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