Andrew’s got an important exam
today.
He’s been studying away,
night and day,
in preparation for it.
I’ve been praying for Andrew,
offering up Rosaries
and praying to Saint Joseph of Cupertino.

Now, it’s exam time.

I find myself in the chapel
where Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
is taking place.

I kneel, bow my head
and tell Jesus
all about Andrew.
About Andrew as a small boy
in primary school uniform
at school morning Mass.
and about how hard Andrew works
and studies.
(I think Jesus knows all this anyway,
but sure there’s no harm
in reminding Him!)

I explain to Jesus
that right now,
at this very minute,
Andrew is in the middle
of a very difficult exam
and that he needs Jesus’s help.

All the while,
Jesus is up there
on the altar,
so, so close –
almost within touching-distance.

A sense that Jesus already knows
all about Andrew.
A sense that Jesus loves Andrew
from the top of his head
to the bottom of his toes.

And, as I genuflect
to leave the chapel,
a sense that I am leaving Andrew
in very good hands!

© Claire Murray, August 2025