An interesting book by Alice McDermott, “The Ninth Hour,” is set in the tenement housing of Irish Catholic Brooklyn at the turn of the twentieth century.  In an interview about her book, McDermott joked that the book is “about nuns, and laundry.”  She writes about the sacred ordinary, or as some might say, God among the pots and pans. 

(Yes, based on that simple description, I ordered the book. Just started it, so can’t make any recommendations yet.) 

Where is God in our lives?   Is he within the sanctuary walls?   Is he hidden in the strains of grand oratorios?  Is he present in the dark of night as our prayers are whispered to him?  Well, yes, all of the above of true.

But, he is also present as we work at the stove, preparing dinner.  He rides along on the mower that trims our lawn.   He holds our hand as we wipe away tears in our moments of grief.  I remember that fancy word I learned in Confirmation class, God is “omnipresent.”  He is present everywhere at all times.  When we sense this presence, we are able to do even the smallest act as a token of God’s love.  Even the laundry or the pots and pans.

God bless you with the omnipresence of his unconditional love.

Judy