Wherever you go, I shall go…

Does the title make you want to sing out loud or are you thinking of the book of Ruth in the Bible? Well, the song comes from Ruth. I may go as far as to say that song is the soundtrack of a few years in my late 20’s when I was busy on a team giving retreats.

The retreat in itself was not a life changing event for me, as it it was for others, but it brought me into a community of people- many of whom are still my friends 20 years later. Friendships started, peaceful moments found, conversions, and deep conversations happened that weekend and during all the weeks and months preparing for the next one. At the time, that song drove me a bit crazy, I could sing it in my sleep (and I probably did, lol)

I hadn’t heard it or sung it in years until I went to a memorial mass for the priest who lovingly and mostly patiently guided us on those retreats. Fr. Linus was the embodiment of that song. He went as he was asked and carried out his priestly duties with joy. Joy is what I felt at the celebration with others I hadn’t seen in a long while.

Fr. Linus radiated joy in his calling as a priest. It was good to reminisce and hear stories of how Fr. Linus helped others through hard times, or happy times, or even the times he admonished someone in a loving but sometimes sarcastic manner. He wanted us all to be on the right path, but allowed us to make our way, in our time.

When Naomi’s husband and her two sons pass, she wants to send her daughter’s in law back to their families. Ruth refuses to leave her and travels with her back to her family- as a result, they are both blessed beyond measure- they find joy from the sadness and hardships they endured.

We choose our path and who we accompany on the journey. They could be our family by blood or our chosen family. We are made to walk with each other. This week, I want the faithfulness and trust of Ruth, and the joy of Fr. Linus to radiate to the world. What would you like to radiate to the world this week?