ST. ANDREW THE APOSTLE

MIRACLES: PAYING IT FORWARD

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Like many of you, being asked to shelter in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19, finding projects around the house is a good way to pass the time. So far I painted our laundry room and yesterday power washed our deck. I'm not one to sit idle long and I'm probably driving my wife crazy! One thing is for sure...I am finding more time to pray.

 

While going through old family files, I found a certificate my mom and dad received of our family being consecrated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Seeing this certificate took me back to the day my father died,

March 6, 1982. I was only 22 years old and to date had never really witnessed a close family member's death. Knowing that he would soon pass, I prayed that I would be present when he died. Little did I know that prayer would be answered.  

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Mom has been taking care of dad for about six weeks and he was very close to death. Saint Andrew pastor,

Fr. Robert Bushmiller, had visited earlier that day and anointed dad. It was the first Friday in Lent. After dinner that evening, someone suggested we pray the rosary around him. About 12 of us stood around his bed and began the rosary. About midway through the prayer dad’s vitals began to fail and it was obvious he would soon pass. I took the lead of saying the rosary as mom began to cry. Dad held on until we made the final sign of the cross. At that moment he breathed his last. Through her tears my mom said his prayer was answered. You see my dad had a strong devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and always wanted to die on a first Friday. After she shared dad’s wish, I realized that 2 prayers were answered that evening; dad died on a first Friday and his son was there to witness it. 

 

While looking at the Sacred Heart certificate I realized the 2 prayers answered were indeed a miracle paid forward. You see, like my dad, I have a very strong devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. I like gazing on the image of Jesus’ heart burning with love for us. And through this devotion I've developed a way of praying to His Sacred Heart using the rosary beads. With rosary in hand, I begin with my intention followed by the Apostle’s creed. Then on the “Our Father” beads I say three prayers, the Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory Be. Then on the 10 “Hail Mary beads” I say the following prayer on each bead: “Sacred Heart of Jesus, I trust in your mercy and love.”  Often times I use this devotion when I am filled with gratitude for answered prayers, my family, etc… The miracle of the prayers that happened in 1982 are still with me today.

 

Sacred Heart of Jesus, I trust in your mercy and love. Amen! 

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Your servant and friend,

Deacon Tim Schutte