The Lifeline

I can tell you that we all need a lifeline. You know what I mean. Especially on those days when we feel as though we were adrift on a stormy sea, and we are desperately seeking someone who can bring us to safe harbor. We all need that lifeline.

For me, each and every day my lifeline is prayer. I know that I will be drifting aimlessly if I do not reach out and grab it. Certainly daily Mass is for me the prime way of praying. To be immersed in the Sacrifice of Jesus Christ and to be in communion with Him as I receive His Body and Blood is the rock for me in the midst of life’s sea. Spending time before Our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament each day is indispensable for me.

We know that prayer as our lifeline can and should permeate our whole day. St. Paul tells us in his first letter to the Thessalonians, “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (I Thess. 5: 17-18) We have the great gift of being able to pray anytime. We can always have an audience in the court of heaven.

One of the beautiful titles of Our Blessed Mother is the Star of the Sea. This ancient title reflects the idea that sailors have reckoned their voyage n the sea by the stars and especially the North Star. The beautiful Gregorian hymn, “Ave Maris Stella” calls upon Mary as “Star of the Sea.”

On those days of my life being tossed on the stormy sea day after day I look to Our Lady as the Star of the Sea and reach out to her. During this month of May when the Church calls us to renew our relationship with our Blessed Mother, we take up her Rosary as a lifeline. Praying the Rosary draws us to contemplate the Face of Jesus in the school of His Mother.

Our Lady, Star of the Sea, pray for us!

Most Reverend William J. Waltersheid

Auxiliary Bishop of Pittsburgh