My Uncle Leo lived a really mixed life, full of -isms (sexism, racism, alcoholism, addicted to cocaine) but also full of grace, with a strong devotion to Mary and love of the Church. About a year after he quit cocaine, he was diagnosed with cancer of the esophagus. He died not long after this.
About a month after Uncle Leo died, I was still so sad, thinking about his death and how much he had suffered. I was worried for his soul. And then I got the strongest sense of him saying, “Becky, it’s okay, I’m home. You don’t need to worry about me, I’m home.” I could barely contain my tears. Normally I have the radio off, but I happened to turn it on that afternoon on my drive home. I heard that song by Tim McGraw, “And know my soul is where my momma always prayed that it would go. And if you’re reading this, I’m already home, I’m already home.”
In human touch, in a simple song, I saw the profound depth and strength of Christ’s love for us. Do not be afraid. Nothing is impossible with God. Nothing, neither sexism nor racism nor addiction nor cancer nor death, can keep us from the love of God in Christ Jesus. Amen.