The invisible footprints

There is a debate still going on in the world about who penned the poem, “Foot prints in the sand”. The poet in his dreams sees him walking on the sand holding the hands of God. He looks back and is happy to see 2 sets of footprints in the path he walked by. But when he closely examines he realizes that when he was in trials and tribulations he sees only one set of footprints. With great pain he asked God, “you promised to be with me all through my life but why did you abandon me during my trials?”

God lovingly responded, “Dear child I never left you alone. The footprints you see during your times of trouble are mine. Because on those days of your pain and suffering I carried you in my arms so that you may not be broken.”

1st of November is celebrated as All Saints day in the Catholic Church. These saints never gave up hope during their times of troubles. They never lost their spirituality, placing all their trust in the Lord they led a life holy and went on to become saints. These saints were able to trust in the Lord even when their mind contradicted during their difficult situations and were able to attain God. A prisoner in one of Nazi camps scribbled thus on the walls, “even though the sky is dark with clouds I know there is a sun beyond these dark clouds. When these walls of the prison have darkened my life I know and trust that the eternal God is holding on to my hands during this experience.”

Let us remember, stay strong and encouraged by the fact that God is always walking by our side during our good times and bad times.

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you” (Deuteronomy 31:6).

Fr Prince Chakkalayil CST