Image credit: Pixabay.com (2015), CC0/PD[/caption]
In the past I have shared that my 13-year-old son decided almost two years ago that he didn’t believe in God so he would not receive the Eucharist anymore. Of course, knowing my son’s temperament I decided to calmly accept his decision, by God’s grace, but still expect him to attend Mass with me; this was non-negotiable.
Even though I seemed calm, which shocked my son as well, I was broken-hearted. I questioned, despaired, and felt lost. It took me some time to ponder and sit with the Lord and plead with Him to guide my son back to Him.
I pray a Rosary for him every day, and have family and close friends praying as well that he would return home. By God’s mercy, my son went to Confession and received the Eucharist on Sunday after almost two years of being away from God. It came out of nowhere; as I write this, I am still in shock.
Looking back there were glimpses of his slow return. There were times he would use holy water or make the Sign of the Cross. On other occasions he would maybe ask for clarification on why something was said or what something meant after listening to a homily.
God is so good to me! I really believed that I might not see my son’s return in my lifetime. This is truly a gift to me and to my son. It was such a joy, a blessing to receive Communion with my son. A reminder from God that no matter what is going on, I can trust that He will do what is best in His time.
One of the things my son said to me in regards to his return was that he knows I will be in heaven and he wants to be there with me and the only way that will happen is if he returns to God. Those words still overwhelm me in so many ways.
My hope is that my son's journey will provide hope for anyone that God is merciful, loving, and forgiving. He calls us back home in his time.
Copyright 2020 Elizabeth Estrada
About the Author
.png?width=1806&height=731&name=CatholicMom_hcfm_logo1_pos_871c_2728c%20(002).png "CatholicMom_hcfm_logo1_pos_871c_2728c (002)"){kind=logo}
Comments