The Bench

What happened

"Father!" Cecilia called from the other side of the parking lot.

Fr. Jeffrey turned, smiled and waved at her.

"Do you have a few minutes to chat?" She asked as she caught up with him. He looked at his watch.

"I have 15 minutes until I have to meet with a couple for marriage prep. I was just going to get a bite to eat if you'd like to join me." He responded.

"Sounds perfect." She smiled. At least he was eating today. He was one of the busiest people she knew. Constantly tending to the needy flock, he sometimes forgot to tend to his own needs.

After grabbing sandwiches and fruit cups from the school cafeteria, they made their way to a vacant meeting room. Huge windows showed the entire playground buzzing with the energy of a hundred elementary school kids.

"This is one of my favorite places to be." Fr. Jeffrey started before Cecilia could say a word. "I get to witness the innocence and energy of children, while still being able to sit in silence."

They sat down and began their lunches.

"So I did my penance." Cecilia began, not finding a better Segway into the conversation.

Fr. Jeffrey just nodded his head, listening.

"I decided to go to a homeless shelter and volunteer for a day." She said poking through her fruit. "It's definitely made me think about... um... people... I guess."

"I mean.. I thought I had it bad." She said with a little laugh.

Fr Jeffrey's eyes creased with a small smile.

"There were definitely a few people who seemed to make their suffering a kind of a trophy. Constantly one upping another person on how horrible their life is. But there were also those who truly had hope that their lives could be better." She explained. "I mean, especially when they seemed to have nothing, not even a religion to lean on. But they still clung on and fought every day. I just... I guess it fascinates me."

Fr. Jeffrey nodded while he cleaned up his plate.

"Oftentimes we can forget that God gives other people trials too. It's easy to go through life focused on ourselves and our own burdens. But when we help others with theirs, it can really give our own lives peace." He said

"Yeah." Said Cecilia picking up her own trash and following the priest to the door. "I guess I just didn't expect it to hit me so hard. I think... maybe I would like to continue to volunteer for a little while."

"That's a wonderful idea Cecilia." Responded Father. "I think it would help get you out of your own head too." He said winking.

Cecilia's cheeks burned. That's exactly what she needed.

"Yeah." She nodded, her eyes glancing downward to her backpack. "Oh! I almost forgot,"

She reached in her bag to grab an invitation.

"Mrs. Woodfield is having a graduation party for me in a couple weeks."

"Ah, I've received many invitations this summer." Fr. Jeffrey accepted it with a downcast smile. "Unfortunately I'll be terribly busy, with the move and all. But I promise I will pray for you Cecilia."

"That's okay father." She said genuinely. Not wanting to tell him that she didn't really want a graduation party. "I hope everything goes smoothly with your move to your next parish!

Fr. Will smiled, "Well I'd better be going. May the Lord bless you on this beautiful day." He blessed her.

"Thank you father." She bowed at the Sign of the Cross. "You have a good day too!"