Whenever I think of my Uncle Bob, three characteristics come to the fore; the strength (firmness) of his faith, the (child-like) humility that he brings to that faith, and the courage to persevere in his faith, despite this life’s challenges. He is a great example to all of us.
Bob was a great help to my mom and a good source of spiritual direction and conversations for me until he moved away into an assisted care facility closer to his daughters. As I reflect on Bob’s example to me as a Christian, I keep coming back to his devotion to the Most Holy Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary. I recall how he led the rosary at my brother Tom’s memorial service. I was struck by his sincerity as he recited each Hail Mary—he was even crying at times! They weren’t tears of sadness about Tom’s passing, I remember thinking to myself, but tears of gratitude and certain hope that our Lady would intercede to the Sacred Heart of her Son for us on behalf of Tom and all of our other relatives and friends who have gone before us.
I think St. Paul’s letter to the Corinthians (1 Cor 1:3-9) describes Bob’s faith pretty well:
“I give thanks to my God always on your account for the grace of God bestowed on you in Christ Jesus, that in him you were enriched in every way, with all discourse and all knowledge, as the testimony to Christ was confirmed among you, so that you are not lacking in any spiritual gift as you wait for the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ.
He will keep you firm to the end, irreproachable on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.
God is faithful, and by him you were called to fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.”
God bless you, Uncle Bob. Pray for us.
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