When I moved to Florida, my first friends were my colleagues in my department. One in particular became like family. Her husband and mine were avid Mets fans. We celebrated all our holidays together. Her husband was my son’s godfather, and I was their daughter’s godmother at Confirmation. She was the first person I called when my husband died suddenly, even before contacting my family.

We both moved to another school, and I was offered the department chair position. I turned it down, but five years later decided to run against the current department chair. Little did I know, I inadvertently thwarted my friend’s plan to take over that department. My friend was furious and our relationship completely withered. A year later she transferred to another school the weekend before school opened, leaving me to replace her with four days’ notice.

I understand Jesus’ confused feeling taking the wind out of his sails. He must have wanted to do so much for his hometown and the people he’d known all his life, as much as he wanted to help strangers.

Let us pray: Jesus, help me diminish my disappointment in the friendships that I have lost. I pray that their lives may be blessed.

Today’s author is Dr. Denise Collado, who is a multilingual caseworker for the Society of St. Vincent de Paul in Sarasota, Florida, and former world languages teacher for 44 years. Since 2017, Denise has made quilts for Glenmary’s annual fundraiser and for special missioner friends.

Free delivery!  Sign up to receive this in English or in Spanish daily by email.