On July Fourth evening, a big storm swept through our region hampering fireworks displays and BBQs, leaving partygoers running for shelter from wind and water. One of our fellow parishioners, Nina, was safely nestled in her house, unaware that it was even raining. She decided to take a shower. Standing in the bathroom preparing, the lights went off briefly, then back on again. Her first thought was to go to the kitchen to reset the clocks.

Delaying her shower, she walked to the kitchen and out of the corner of her eye she saw a tremendous light and heard a big noise. She moved from the sink to the microwave and within seconds a huge branch burst through her ceiling. It took a few moments for her to comprehend what was happening, but then she ran back to the bathroom to dress. Walking into that room, she saw an even worse scene: a huge piece of tree had crashed through the ceiling by the bathtub exactly where she had been standing. She called 911 and was told to leave immediately because they didn’t know if the house was structurally sound. Plus, rainwater was pouring through the gapping holes in her ceilings!

Since then, Nina has been living in temporary housing. She doesn’t expect to be home until Thanksgiving time – could be longer. But despite it all: the horrendous shock, the massive damage, and the daily inconveniences of homelessness, Nina is at peace and very thankful. Reflecting, Nina believes that it was her Guardian Angel that directed her out of harm’s way in the bathroom that day. Heading into the shower, even flickering lights wouldn’t have normally prompted her to pause her shower to reset clocks in another room. But that short, purposeful trek protected her from injury or even death in either the kitchen or the bathroom. She knows that Jesus protected her so far and she rests in the peace that he is managing the next steps too.

I read recently that one of the devil’s strategies is to convince us that bad things should not happen to us, so that we feel resentful of God when they do. But St. Peter tells us: “Beloved, do not be surprised that a trial by fire is occurring among you, as if something strange were happening to you. But rejoice to the extent that you share in the sufferings of Christ, so that when his glory is revealed you may also rejoice exultantly.”

Scripture: Read 1 Peter 4:12. What stands out?

Call to Action: Watch for the graces God bestows in your times of trial.