We Are “Stand-Ins” for Christ.

When Christ bodily left this earth and returned to his father, he promised to remain with us always. We know he does this through the Eucharist and the sacraments, but he also fulfills this promise through us. Below is a letter from my friend John proving this.

Diagnosed with prostate cancer, and a bad prognosis at that, John wrote, I have just finished a round of chemo on top of radiation. And I can’t believe how differently I feel right now. I am taking walks again through my neighborhood, while thinking about the many friends who have responded to my illness. They sent emails, made phone calls, wrote cards, and even penned letters-all to reach out to me. I feel blessed to have so many people in my life and I wonder why?

Amazed but grateful, John still feels loved as he struggles through the uncertainties and ordeal of his treatments. John attributes this attitude to the many responses from friends and acquaintances who took time to care, lift him up, restore his hope, reminding John once again how much he is loved.

John’s example is precisely how Jesus wants his presence to remain among us. Jesus stirs those around John to be mindful of John’s situation. Then he calls them forth to minister to John in his name. Their words in phone calls, letters, emails, or sent flowers tell John that Jesus is aware too. In turn, John receives needed courage to take his next few steps confidently and hopefully. In some miraculous way, John feels Jesus’ presence all around him through those who reach out to him.

John senses the sacred reality of Jesus seeing him, knowing his struggles, and he feels not alone anymore. Jesus is there and John feels his presence. John ended his note with this: It took my illness to see what a treasure I have in my life. Love is a wonderful thing. John’s present days, though still with pain, he can feel these occasional rays of sunlight shining brightly from the love present around him.

Jesus wants similar miracles from us too. When we stand in for Christ as John’s friends did, at a neighbor’s misfortune or tragedy, they can catch that same needed glimmer of hope. And Jesus is seen as still loving those who need healing and loving, but now his presence shines from us.