Let me share this story from Morris West’s book “The Clowns of God” it is a poignant scene at the end of the novel, Jesus makes his presence known in the midst of a small French community the night before Christmas.

It is the eve of World War III, and a terrified world is bracing for nuclear holocaust.  As a small group of political and church leaders look on, Jesus lifts a mentally handicapped child out of her high chair, kisses her and sits her on his knee. He dips a crust of bread in wine and feeds it to her, morsel by morsel. As he does so, Jesus says:

“I know what you are thinking. You need a sign. What better one could I give than to make this little one whole and new? I could do it; but I will not. I am the Lord and not a conjuror. I gave this mite a gift I denied all of you – eternal innocence.

To you she looks imperfect – but to me she is flawless, like the bud that dies unopened or the fledgling that falls from the nest to be devoured by ants. She will never offend me, as all of you have done.

She will never pervert or destroy the work of [my] hands She is necessary to you. She will evoke the kindness that will keep you human. Her infirmity will prompt you to gratitude for your own good fortune…More!

She will remind you that every day that I am who I am, that my ways are not your ways, and that the smallest dust mote whirled in the darkest space does not fall out of my hand…I have chosen you. You have not chosen me.

This little one is my sign to you.

Treasure her!”

Jesus will fill our suffering with His Presence only if we allow Him too!

May God Be Praised!