Hearing of my niece’s newest ventures in T-Ball recently and applauding Clippers baseball with our parish youth group has caused me to reflect on the impact people in the stands can have. We all are enrolled as players in the Lord’s work, but sometimes it feels that we’re sitting helplessly on the sidelines watching others strike, hit, or walk. As I’m transitioning from one apostolate and ‘home base’ to another this spring, I’ve been most impacted by the support of those who stay behind. Coworkers smile encouragingly as they hide their pity parties. Students think first of others’ good—“Who will teach the incoming class? Will you be closer to your family?” Said family signals its unflagging support from states away. Parishioners transform disappointed faces to joy for me, as one mom modeled to her daughter: “Sister’s moving! Boo for us, but yay for her! We’re going to have to keep praying for her, aren’t we?!”

It makes me think of Jesus’ most significant home fan, his mother, and her quiet, sacrificial support. How did she frame her face in encouragement when she heard, “I’m going across the Jordan tomorrow, Mom. Don’t expect me back for dinner... for a while”? Or: “Hi, Mom. I can’t stay long—I’m headed up to Jerusalem”? We know of her silent audience at the foot of the Cross (John 19:25), and of her steadfast novena with the nascent Church (Acts 1:14). Her prayer was constant but her partings never ended. The Mother of the Church (celebrated this June 9^th) must have said adieu again and again as the wind of the Holy Spirit sent her spiritual children to and fro. But rather than being relegated to helplessness, Mary exemplifies that the most powerful players are not always those in the field lights. May we never forget the power of prayer—especially hers. Our Lady, Help of Christians, pray for us!

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-- by Sr. Felicity, OP