Jun282026
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The Magic of the Heart.

A doctor told the parents that their child would be born with permanent defects and recommended termination. The parents came to me for advice. I told them that there would be sacrifices. Yet, I am not sure how or why it works, but when you open your home and heart to someone and love that person, magic happens. The joy always outweighs the sacrifices. The dad asked me, “What if it doesn’t happen in this case?” I said, “What if it does? You want to miss out?

Every year, I get a Christmas card from him with pictures. How many people have sent you a Christmas card for the last thirty years without missing? I got baby pictures, teenage pictures, high school graduation pictures, college graduation pictures, award pictures, and family get-together pictures. I have scoured every picture over the last thirty years to see if there is even a trace or hint of regret or sadness. Never. I only see happy, proud parents in the background. The pictures he sent were a message that I was right. When you let someone into your heart, the rewards are greater than the sacrifices.

Every one of us has probably made decisions based on sacrifices. I know I have. I walked out of a viola career. The high cost of string instruments, the intense competition, and the lonely hours of practice. I said, “No.” I’ll be a priest, much easier, and run marathons at sixty-five years old. Much better!

Here is the faith lesson. When we have to make difficult decisions which require suffering and sacrifices make sure you do not forget to add your heart to the equation, your to the equation. The heart that you received at baptism, the heart that Christ gave you when he died on the cross. Add it, and watch the magic.

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