Reflection on the daily Mass readings http://usccb.org/bible/readings/032420.cfm:
 
Today was just one of those days…
 
Have you ever said that before? I know I have said it quite a few times in my life, and I have noticed that people struggling with this outbreak tend to be saying it, as well. Whether it is a fight with a family member; or nerves that are simply raw from worry; or home projects gone awry; these moments when we are struggling with the unknown can simply bring out the worst in us.
 
Well, like it or not, today was one of those days for me. I was woken up before my alarm went off by the Master of the house, himself, Bustopher Jones, ready for his breakfast. “C’est la vie”, I thought, so I got out of bed and tended to his “needs.” Then, I got ready for the day and drove over to Randolph to do office work and to finally pay some of our parishes’ bills, which have been neglected recently. I had everything set, and when the diocese called at the previously agreed upon time, the internet stopped working. Of course. I did everything a lay person can do in such circumstances: I unplugged everything and plugged it back in; I stared at the wires for a while; then I glared; then my eyes glazed over; then I tried to think about something else, being anywhere else, wondering about all the things I would rather be doing than dealing with this garbage. I finally called the phone company and asked for help. They were kind and said they would send someone to look at it sometime in the next 24-48 hours. It was clear that I wasn’t going to get our bills paid today. Well, not to worry, I could go back to the rectory—where the internet was working—and at least work on my daily reflection and call some parishioners to check in on them.
 
I arrived at home to the frantic meows of a cat that was more than ready for his early afternoon snack. I fed him, and then he stared at me, again, with eyes that seemed to be telling me, “I’m glad you fed me, but now you can go back to the office?” Alas, I took the hint and went to the other room and started my computer in the hopes of getting my daily reflection out for all of my sheep. As soon as my computer turned on, it said there was “No Internet Connectivity.” “What?!”, I thought. “I just dealt with this for hours at the office. What is going on here?” I tried the same technique as before. Thankfully, after an hour or so, the internet finally turned on and began working—only the Lord knows how…
 
After all of this work outside of my comfort zone, I had worked up an appetite, so before getting to work on reaching out to people I thought it would be wise to make some food. Before eating I washed my hands, and then it happened… I heard a trickling sound underneath the sink. I looked down and there it was, water spewing out of the pipe where the S-shaped pipe begins—a clog, naturally. I looked down at the ever-growing puddle on the floor by my feet and thought to myself, “You have got to be kidding me.” And then, like a bolt of lightning, the Holy Spirit struck my heart and I realized what the lessons were for the day: patience and perseverance.
 
I laughed at myself because I remember something jumping out at me when I proclaimed the Gospel at Mass, this morning. The sick man had been at the pool of Siloam for 38 years, trying to make it into the water to be healed. 38 years! I remember thinking to myself during Mass what a patient man he must have been. Then, I forgot about this patient man all day long until that water starting seeping into my socks. I laughed and remembered how I had been impressed by his patience; and then I winced and remembered how impatient and annoyed I had been all day with little tasks. The man waited 38 years for God to heal him, and because of his patience and perseverance he was at the right place when Jesus came into his path. He never gave up. I am sure he had difficult days. I am sure he wanted to throw in the towel. I am sure the wrong person said the wrong thing to him on those frustrating days. He experienced failure, and dejection, and despair. But he never gave up. His patience prevailed. His perseverance saved the day. He was there to see Christ’s eyes looking into his, and he was there to feel Jesus’ healing touch.
 
It was a strong reminder to me to take a step back, breathe, and just crawl into the hands of my God like a little child. It was a good reminder to me to be patient with the things of this world, with others in my life, and most especially, myself. It was a beautiful reminder that perseverance toward the heart of Jesus is always worth the headache and the risk.
 
Wherever you find yourselves today. Whether everything seems to be fitting together nicely for this monastic stretch that we are on; or whether you have been short with family members, community members, or politicians; or whether you are impatient with yourself because of a sin that keeps burrowing its way into your life; or whether you have simply said to yourself recently, “Today was just one of those days…”; know this, you are in good company. We all find ourselves there at times, even your priest (especially your priest!).  Do not succumb to despair or anger or frustration. See the lessons God is placing before you, and remember that patience and perseverance for God will always win in the end.
 
God bless you, and be assured of my fervent prayers for all of you.
 
Lots of love, in Christ,
 
Fr. Gratton