Revolution of Love.com Blog

Pedro obeyed his Mother and got dressed. During the Mass, Fr. Antonio called the people to the front of the Church and placed ashes upon the head of each person. Even Pedro received ashes. After returning to the pew, Pedro looked around the Church and started to giggle a little because the people looked funny wearing ashes.

After Mass, Mama led Pedro to the back of the Church and dropped him off in front the small schoolhouse where Sister Lucia was greeting the children. "Ah Pedro," said Sr. Lucia in her booming voice, "I see you received ashes. Bless you my child." Pedro went into the schoolhouse to join the rest of his classmates.

Later that morning Sr. Lucia began to tell her class about the meaning of Lent and why the children received ashes on their foreheads. She mentioned how Lent was a time of preparation for Easter and how it was time for Catholics to pray and make sacrifices. She even mentioned some ways in which the students could make sacrifices by prayer and doing penance.

On his way home from school Pedro began to think about what Sr. Lucia had said about the Lenten season. "Boy," he thought to himself, "If I could do what Sister said over the next forty days God will bless Mama and Papa and all the other people in the village who are in need of His help." He ran off home full of joy.

That same night while lying in bed, Pedro decided not only to say his usual prayers, but also several more. As he started to say his prayers he began to yawn and before he knew it he was fast asleep.

The following day Pedro decided to give his lunch away to another classmate. Before giving it away he quickly looked to see what type of lunch Mama made for him. When he opened the bag his eyes widened because it was his favorite sandwich and snacks. He noticed that the sandwich was cut in half so he took half of it and ate it and then gave the other half to a friend.

This pattern continued throughout Lent. Whatever sacrifice Pedro made it was always half of what he intended. Because of this Pedro's attitude slowly changed. Each week he seemed to become more and more unhappy.

It was Holy Thursday and after dismissing her class for the day, Sr. Lucia asked Pedro to remain for a minute, she wanted to talk with him. She had noticed that Pedro's attitude had changed. Pedro approached her desk. "Come here Pedro," Sister said - this time more quietly, "I want to talk with you."

Although Sister did her best, Pedro remained silent. He did not want to tell her why he was unhappy. Sister could tell that Pedro was not going to say anything so she continued, "Pedro, can I make a little suggestion." Pedro nodded his head. "Why don't you go into the Church. No one is there. Speak to Jesus about what is troubling you. Will you do that?" Pedro nodded again. Sr. Lucia gave Pedro a big hug and sent him on his way.

Sr. Lucia was right; the Church was empty. Pedro dipped his tiny fingers into the holy water font and blessed himself. He slowly walked up the aisle and then sat down in the first pew. Right in front of Pedro was the huge tabernacle that housed Jesus.

Pedro closed his eyes and clasped his hands together. Just as he was going to speak to Jesus, a big gust of wind opened the Church door, which caused it to slam shut. It made a terrible noise. Pedro quickly turned around thinking that someone had entered the Church but no one was there.

Pedro turned back around and was startled to see that a young, fair-haired man sat down at the opposite end of the pew. The young stranger made the sign of the cross.

Pedro could not keep his eyes off the young man for there was something very special about him. The young man smiled at Pedro and Pedro smiled back. The stranger got up and moved closer to Pedro and sat right beside him. "Hello, Pedro," the young man said. Pedro responded by saying, "Hello."

"My name is Michael," the man continued. "I am a close friend of God's. Jesus sent me here to tell you not to be sad. He knows what is in your heart and you are trying very hard to make sacrifices. Don't be discouraged, little one. Jesus loves you and accepts all the little sacrifices you make, for they are very pleasing to Him."

Pedro just smiled. He dropped his head and lowered his eyes for just a second to collect his thoughts. He wanted to ask the stranger a question. When he raised his head, the young stranger was gone. Pedro looked both to his left and right, but the Church was empty. He immediately got up from the pew and left the Church.