My children are light sleepers, so when they fall asleep on me in the rocking chair, it can be a real challenge to get them into their crib without waking them up. Over time I’ve learned the delicate art of pressing them close during the transfer. That way, even if the chair and the floor (and my knees!) all creak in unison, the stirring child quickly softens back to sleep as soon as I gently tighten my embrace.
I’ve often found that God holds us with the same closeness during the difficult transitions of our lives. And unexpected people often emerge to lead us through the darkness. We see this when Christ met Saul, held him close, and led him to Ananias. Previously fearful of Saul’s murderous threats, Ananias lays his hands upon him, heals him, feeds him, even watches as he takes his first wobbly steps as a newly baptized Christian.
Jesus invites us to draw even closer: Whoever eats my Flesh and drinks my Blood remains in me and I in him. Christ’s very life, lavishly given to us at each and every moment. This lavish love is the foundation of our communion, which we are called to share—always and without exception—with others (even those breathing murderous threats against us). This is the hard work of the Christian life. And it is the place of the graced encounter with God in Christ, who holds us, carries us, and embraces us, even though all we may see is darkness.
Michael J. Sanem, “Graced Transitions,” from the April 2021 issue of Give Us This Day www.giveusthisday.org (Collegeville, MN: Liturgical Press, 2021). Used with permission.
incarnation is everywhere 
beautiful comments Michael-plan on a wild and crazy weekend!
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This is a stunningly beautiful reflection. Thank you!
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Thank you for reading! Very much appreciated.
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Just found your website after reading your Reflection in my Give Us This Day April 23. Ah, a grace filled find. Thank you!
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Many thanks Mary! I appreciate you reading!
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Again and again today I’ve opened “Give Us This Day” to read your ‘Graced Transitions’.
What a blessing to receive your message as I’m struggling with surgery complications and having all my activities curtailed!
I’ve sent your website to my Italian friend who loves art. A spiritual art lover, she will be enchanted with all your photos.
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Thank you so much. I’m sorry to hear about your complications. I’ll pray you get better.
I adore Italy! Please share with your friend. I can’t wait to go back once they’ve reopened. I miss it so much! Thanks for reading.
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I read your reflection today in Give US This Day, thank you. I have started to bookmark all the GUTD writers, you are the first.
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