He's still there!

I had to go to Reedley to pick up a truck today. I figured I would go to Mass at St. Anthony Claret at 5:30 as I drove through Fresno back home to Stockton. As I was approaching Fresno, I thought "St. Anthony's mass in in Spanish. Do I really want to try and understand what the Gospel and sermon are all about? or should I just go home and read the Gospel and meditations on line?" But my hunger for the Eucharist and the peace I feel at Mass (even in Spanish) overrode these thoughts and I went to Mass. When I got there, a little old lady who is always at that mass greeted me with "buenos tardes, Senor". I responded in kind. Then there was a bustle of activity around the altar--chairs being moved around, and a stool being placed behind the altar! I thought "uh oh, what's going on here?" Then everyone stands and the priest comes out veeerrrry slooowwwwly on crutches and a cast on his foot! He immediately proceeded to sit on a chair that was next to the lecturn and blessed us, said the opening prayer, then the reading and responsorial psalm were recited. "Lord, what did I get myself into tonight?" It was hard to concentrate on the Spanish and wonder how this priest was going to say mass in his condition. I was shocked when he said the opening prayers before the Gospel, then allowed a lay person to read it! He continued to sit. After the Gospel, he rose with great difficulty, then sat on the stool behind the altar. I thought he was going to dispense with a sermon, as it was obvious that he was in great pain. But he starts the sermon while sitting on the stool--IN ENGLISH! He had a different lay person stand next to him and interpret the sermon for the old Spanish ladies. And what a powerful and insightful sermon it was! I thank the Holy Spirit for guiding me to this sermon tonight. It was just what I needed. I will write about the sermon tomorrow. I want to let it soak in tonight, and it's late. I don't want to ruin it because I'm tired. I may forget something. How's that for a tease?