I have a friend who is impressed by what the world calls "powerful" and "successful" people. Imagine, if he had the gift of faith, how he would be attracted to the chapel to be in the presence of and be influenced by the One from Whom all power flows, the very Source of Life. In the Powerful Presence, I am made aware of my own utter powerlessness: I did not choose to live; I did not choose my parents or the Age in which I live; I cannot prolong my life here indefinitely, and I do not control the lives of those with whom I share my life.

The world sets me in a struggle against my true nature as it fosters the illusion that I am self-sufficient.

In those quiet moments before Our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament, I am freed from that illusion...The sand of self-confidence on which the world would have me build my life is replaced by the rock of God-confidence... Conflict and anxiety and fear give way to peace beyond expression. The world inflicts wounds upon us which God alone can heal. In those quiet moments before Our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament, I experience that Healing Power and catch a glimpse of that Divine Compassion we are called to share.

In the presence of the Source of life, I am made aware that all of life is a gift to be humbly accepted and appreciated. It's not so much that I choose to go to the chapel as it is that I am drawn there. "Come to me all you who are weary and find life burdensome, and I will refresh you. Take my yoke upon your shoulders and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble of heart. Your souls will find rest, for my yoke is easy and my burden light."

Immaculata Magazine: Dec. 1984 / Jan. 1985
John Gile