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THE USHER
-- Author Unknown
Harry ushered every Sunday at the 10am Mass. He never considered the work he did a ministry,"the people who give out communion,
the lectors, maybe they're ministers. Me? I'm just trying to help the pastor out by taking up the collection and making folks
feel welcome when they come in."
But one day, the pastor received a letter addressed to "Harry the Usher." The letter read:
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Dear Harry,
I’m sorry I don't know your last name, but then you don’t know mine. I'm Patty, at the 10AM Mass. I'm writing
to ask a favor. I don't know the priests too well but somehow I feel close to you. I don't know how you got to know my first
name, but every Sunday morning you smile and greet me by name and exchange a few words-how the weather was, how much you like
my hat, and how I was late on a particular Sunday. I just wanted to say thank you for taking the time for remembering an old
lady, for the smiles, for your consideration, for your thoughtfulness.
Now for the favor. I am dying, Harry. My husband has been dead for 16 years and the kids are scattered. It is very important
to me that when they bring me to church for the last time you will be standing at the front entrance. It wouldn't seem right
if you weren't there to say 'Hello, Patty. Good to see you'; If you are there, Harry, I will feel assured that your warm hospitality
will be duplicated in my new home in heaven.
With love and gratitude,
Patty at the 10AM Mass
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Harry was at his post the morning of Patty's funeral. He smiled and said the words Patty wanted to hear as he gently touched
the coffin. And Harry now understands what it is like to be a minister.
Even the most simple act of kindness on our part, a good word, a smile, just stopping to listen, can be a powerful "sign"
of God's presence in our midst. God speaks in every Harry among us. God calls are signs of His love and forgiveness in our
own towns and cities and homes and Churches.
PRAYER
"Lord Jesus Christ, you are the Son of God and the Savior of the world. Inflame my heart with a burning love for you and with
an expectant faith in your saving power. Take my life and all that I have as an offering of love for you, who are my All."
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Shared by FoodForThoughtMinistry
http://www.dailyfoodforthought.org
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