Through the generosity of a priest, my office is in an empty convent next door to a Catholic high school in the Bronx. It is a big building and frankly, not in the best of neighborhoods, but I have always felt safe in there even when I have had cause not to.
Most days, I am in the building alone except when a volunteer is present, on retreat days, or when we are doing some training. The convent, of course, has a chapel, and I am very blessed to have Jesus present in the Blessed Sacrament.
During the month of August, I will be gone for three weeks, and so, before I leave I will tell a priest to consume Jesus, because I know no one would be around to change the sanctuary light or spend any time with Him.
As the time approaches to return to work, I will ask the priest to please bring Jesus back so that He will be there when I return. I do not want to go back into the building without Him!
I am asked all the time how I can work there alone and not be nervous. My answer is, I am not alone. I work with Jesus beside me. The same Jesus who healed me of my abortion, who blesses me with faith and the ability to do this work by His grace. Jesus my friend, my confidant, my counselor, and Savior.
It is with Him beside me each day that I minister to the post abortive. He knows the stories and heartbreaks of all who come to us. In prayer with Him and under the guidance of my spiritual director, I discern His will and pray daily for those struggling with the pain of a past abortion, invoking Him to bring more souls forward to experience His love and forgiveness.
I have learned not to rush Him, but to trust and allow Him to heal in His time, not mine, for only he knows the depths of each person's wounds. I pray to Him daily to keep "me" out of His way wanting only the good and healing of those who come. I have learned to trust in His working for those He entrusts to us, and I have been blessed to see many reach His peace and healing. He hears me grumble. He cries and smiles with me. It is not always - easy especially when He asks something of me I do not want to do, but by His grace we move forward. Many times I fail, but I know He will then meet me in the Sacrament of Reconciliation there to begin again.
No, I am truly not alone, for I work with the best co-worker anyone could possibly have - Jesus Christ!
