by Ricky Doc Sauceda
Jeremiah 31:33
"This is the covenant I will make with the people of Israel after that time," declares the LORD. "I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people.
I sat in my familiar spot at the beginning of Mass. I was feeling a bit empty there. I moved to the chapel behind the altar where my son Chris and his new bride Kelly were married last Saturday. I felt "at home" there.
Children were romping and parents were being very patient. I smiled while recalling my days as a young daddy. I could see my daughter Teri and her boyfriend Joey in spirit from where they sat last Saturday. I could feel great presence of my family with me.
After the Eucharist I sat in the prayer room adjacent to the chapel. I felt great peace there and said a prayer for my family. I talked to Deacon Rob, who performed my son's wedding last weekend. I also spoke to Sister Carolina who was responsible for me being in attendance today - we had a "heart to heart" talk before the wedding.
I also spoke to some of my friends and also the loving couple that gave me that 1973 Volkswagen SuperBeetle in December of 2011, when I had only my feet and a bike to get around with. I spoke with our music minister Michael as well because the song at the end of Mass really touched my heart and spirit.
Today was a good day at my home church.