My husband, Paul, and I are struggling,
confronted by a situation
for which we are totally unprepared.
We are troubled, shocked, worried
and deeply saddened.

Worst of all,
we are powerless.

We go to Sunday Mass at Hannahstown
and during the Consecration
as Fr Kevin raises the host
I sense strongly
that Jesus is truly present
in our Eucharist
and is physically here among us
up here, in Hannahstown.

I sense
that Jesus is here
with Paul and with me,
in our distress.

In my mind’s eye
I see Jesus walking beside us,
as we reluctantly enter
this unchartered territory.
Jesus has one hand reassuringly
on my shoulder
and with the other hand
on Paul’s shoulder.

I have a sense
that at this moment
Paul and I are not alone
and I have a conviction
that we will not be left to journey alone
under any circumstances.

And as Fr Kevin lowers the host
I feel reassured,
convinced now
that as Paul and I enter
this unchartered territory,
we are not alone –
We have Jesus right with us
as our guide.

© Claire Murray, 8th Feb 2015