Several years ago, the magazine U.S. Catholic told the story of a young girl named Laura who was severely challenged since birth and struggled with many physical problems and cognitive disabilities. The doctors told her parents that she might live to be three. When she was eight years old, her parents knew her days would probably be few.
Her parents wanted her to make her First Communion, but they thought their daughter's unique challenges would exclude her from sharing in the Eucharist. However, when ...
Several years ago, the magazine U.S. Catholic told the story of a young girl named Laura who was severely challenged since birth and struggled with many physical problems and cognitive disabilities. The doctors told her parents that she might live to be three. When she was eight years old, her parents knew her days would probably be few.
Her parents wanted her to make her First Communion, but they thought their daughter's unique challenges would exclude her from sharing in the Eucharist. However, when they asked the parish Religious Education director if Laura could receive First Communion, she said, "If not Laura, then who?"
In the weeks preceding the First Communion, Laura's mom decided to make Laura's white dress herself. She used a pattern with a large square collar and long sleeves, which would hide the straps that held her in the wheelchair and the arm splints Laura had to wear. The sewing machine hummed for days as the white fabric and lace took shape.
Laura's mom remembers that the bedroom where she was working became a very sacred space and the sewing of the dress became a sacred creative action. It was a time of inner transformation. Laura's spiritual journey became intertwined with that of her mom as the stitches she sewed began to close old wounds and piece together a faith that faded for her the years following Laura's birth.
Laura's First Communion day was the most blessed and joyous of her whole life.
Ten months later, Laura died, and she was buried in that beautiful dress. Her mother said of that day: "The stillness of her hands folded together in prayer seemed strangely comforting. I was unprepared for the joy."[1]
During our lifetimes, we struggle to piece together different parts of our lives, much like putting together pieces of cloth to create a garment. The pieces we are trying to put together are the experiences and facets of our lives, which will make us presentable to God in the banquet of heaven when brought together in God's grace. Like the First Communion dress that Laura's mother made, our metaphorical garment is made from our hurts, worries, and struggles as well as all the joys and triumphs of our lives. It is decorated with our efforts to bring the love and peace of God to others.
While working to be prepared for the banquet of heaven may be rough at times, God's invitation should fill us with hope rather than fear. Our life's focus should be on working to make God's will our own will and making our lives into a fitting garment for the banquet of eternal life in heaven.[2]
[1] From "Clothe Her in Your Care " by Ann Schreckenberger, U.S. Catholic, August 2001
[2] Cormier, Jay, Connections, Londonderry, NH, October 2002
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