After hearing Fr. James’ “miracle story”, people will often ask me how I felt about it. At first I felt like Our Blessed Mother Mary when she heard Simeon foretell the news about Jesus in the temple. As Fr. James began to tell us the story I could not stop the flow of tears. After reading Fr. Peterson’s testimony, I looked up Aguinaldos (the nine days of masses Fr. James spoke about) and I found out the word means “Christmas Gifts”. We are all called to be gifts of Christ’s love to others. The witness that Fr. James provided to the gang members, choir members, and those attending Mass that day is a powerful mes-sage to all of us. It shows that we need to stand up for our faith and share the love that we have received from Jesus. In John 15:13 Jesus says, “no one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” Fr. Peterson took the risk and admitted being a Catholic priest thus sharing Jesus’ love with everyone. Even though it is highly unlikely that we will find ourselves in such a scary situation, we can witness in our own circles and that witness can change lives. Simple things like a smile at the grocery store, letting someone go before us while in line, opening the door for others, listening to someone, visit-ing someone in need, praying for others, and whatever else you feel called to do can make a difference for that person. A simple action can speak more than a hundred words. I found it a beautiful testimony to the depth of his love for Jesus when Fr. James told us he handed over his “simple cross” to that gang member. That simple gesture made a difference in my own life.

In the book I Believe in Love, Fr. Jean C. J. D’Elbée says, “The cross taken up hesitantly is crushing, taken smilingly, by free will, and with love, it will carry you more than you carry it.” Fr. James said he felt such a peace during the incident that he knew the Holy Spirit was with him. We felt assured and trusted that he is not carrying his cross alone and that Jesus is walking every step with him every day! As the parents of Fr. James Peterson, Jim and I both believe deep with-in our hearts that Fr. James is exactly where Gods wants and needs him to be. He experiences the riches of spirit and faith in those who struggle to be safe while trying to find food and medicine. When we see pictures of Fr. James in Venezuela there is a glow and joy that tells us he is happy and at peace which gives us a certain peace as well. “Christ IS counting on you” to say yes when he calls.

De Colores!

Ann Peterson