# Finding faith and community during hurricane irma
*2017-09-17*

> Recording amidst the winds of Hurricane Irma, Bill Young leads the Sorrowful Mysteries of the Rosary and reflects on the nature of generosity during a crisis.

## Praying through the storm

Good morning. This is Bill Young. Today is Sunday, September 10th. We are still without power, and you can likely hear the wind in the background; the hurricane is passing us now, near Key West. I hope everyone listening is safe and that there is minimal damage. 

Today, we are praying the Sorrowful Mysteries. My first intention is for all those in the path of Hurricane Irma—past, present, and future—because God exists outside of time. For those who may pass away during the storm, may God rescue them through Mary and take them to heaven. For those who may be in purgatory, we pray for their souls, and for those injured, we pray for a speedy recovery.

## Intentions for the world

Using a bilingual guide, I offer these intentions: for those in the storm, that they may not lose faith in God; for judges, that they may be just to all; for those in government, leadership, and the medical profession, that they may conduct their affairs with honesty; and for those suffering from illness, that their suffering may be fruitful. I offer a special intention for my friend Annette, who has third-degree cancer, and for the dying, that they may obtain the mercy of God.

## The sorrowful mysteries

Despite the dim light of a flashlight, we move through the mysteries. We begin with the Agony in the Garden, recalling Luke 22:41-46, where Jesus prays for the Father's will to be done and asks for strength not to fall into temptation. We then meditate on the Scourging at the Pillar, reflecting on the humiliation Jesus suffered for our sins. 

Following the Crowning with Thorns, we contemplate the Way of the Cross, where Simon of Cyrene helped carry the burden. Finally, we reach the Crucifixion, remembering the moment Jesus entrusted His mother to the beloved disciple. The Virgin Mary is the Mother of God, and she is our mother too.

## A lesson in generosity

Before we close, I want to share a reflection on two different neighbors. One man has everything, yet he wasted his resources and refused to share. When I asked if we could use one of his four outlets for our refrigerator, he said it would be too much. 

Then there is another man who, without being asked, volunteered his refrigerator for our food, gave us chargers for our phones, and shared his Wi-Fi. If I am able to upload this episode, it will be because of this Good Samaritan. It creates a striking contrast: the man who has everything but gives nothing, versus the man who freely offers everything he has and expects nothing in return. I believe God views this generosity with a special eye.

*God honors those who freely offer what they have to others without expecting anything in return.*