A Letter to a Friend

Charlie:

God has prompted me to share this little story.  I thought you would enjoy it and maybe pass it on.

Harry had known Larry for years. Larry was a wonderful man who for most of his life did everything He could to bring honor and glory to God. He obeyed God’s commandments and shared God’s love with those around him. He gave of his time generously to help those less fortunate than himself.

Larry led a good life but eventually became a little complacent in his faith and stopped going to Mass on Sunday.  He had always gone to Mass because he loved being there with His Lord and others who believed. Overtime, he forgot St. Paul’s advice that it is not how we start the race but how we finish it that counts.

Larry told Harry that he had stopped going to Mass.  Harry loved Larry very much.  Although it was difficult to do so, he reminded Larry that it was a mortal sin not to attend Mass on Sunday.  But he quickly reminded Larry that all he had to do was to go to confession, express his sorrow and resume going to Mass.  Satan hoped Larry would ignore his friend. Fortunately, Larry appreciated Harry’s love and concern for his eternal well-being and followed his friend’s advice. This really “ticked-off” Satan who thought he was about to snatch this good man from his heavenly reward.

What a sense of peace Harry felt after leaving confession and what joy it was to be back at Mass and to receive His beloved Lord in the Blessed Sacrament. Heaven was in his grasp.

Much of my life I have been too afraid to speak the truth to those I love. Maybe God can use this story to touch the hearts of those who need to hear it. What do you think? Should I put it in my book?

I enjoyed our recent visit and hope we can get together more often.