Five ladies and two sponsors began the journey through study for the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults on a sunny Wednesday evening in Tucson. Every summer, we find this happening in Catholic churches all over the country. Directors of Religious Education have encouraged their congregations to find participants who are wanting learn more about the Catholic Church and what it means to be a Catholic in this time. The difference this time is that these women are in Prison. One member of this group was released in October. She spent hours studying the Catholic faith, reading her bible, and learning everything she could about Jesus Christ while she was in prison. She was a star student and truly felt her faith coming alive. She knew that should could not complete the course but hoped to gain as much as she could before being thrust out into the "real world."
G___ sends me regular texts as she heads off to work each morning. She's one of the lucky ones. She found a job and is staying "straight." Recently, I asked her if she was going to church. She explained that just didn't have time but she knew she should. I reminded her that God had helped her through her most troubling times in prison and in seeking him. My admonishment to her was "don't forget how you got to where you are and to remember to always give thanks to Him." She agreed.
The ladies in the prison ask me if I have heard from G___. They ask, "Is she doing well?" I tell them yes, but they know this story and are frightened for her and for themselves. This group of 6 ladies and the other 12 who attend weekly service have found a great comfort in their search for someone who loves them no matter what they have done. They have found peace in a place that is fraught with angry and venomous women.They have learned to love and not to retaliate. They have learned to wait because they have no choice. And they are frightened that when they are released from prison, they too may no longer have time for God. Have you made time for Him?
We should all be frightened and worried. This "real" world sucks up the time and life through the busyness of life and our need to have more. Like G____, each of us needs to thank God everyday for the blessing we have. We need to lift our hearts to God and praise Him. We need to live our lives for Him - who never forgets us or is too busy to hear our prayers.
