Harry Archer lost his young wife Maria to cancer. Their only child, Jonathon, was three years of age. Harry was broken hearted and withdrew completely into himself. He employed a middle aged woman, Lucy, as a nanny for the boy. Lucy loved young Jonathon as her own for eighteen years, and loyally served him as best she could. During all those years Harry remained inconsolable and spoke very little to either to Lucy or her charge.

Tragically young Jonathon himself died in a car accident on the M50 motorway in his teens. The old man was  now left without kith or kin.  The last flame in his heart burnt out and he gave up the ghost and he died.

The doctors said he died of loneliness and a broken heart. No last will and testament was ever discovered and all his considerable wealth was due to pass to the state. Upon his death, Lucy was no longer needed and she was retired.

In due course, there was an auction to dispose of the Archer estate, property and contents. Lucy attended the public action out of curiosity. Amongst the contents there was only one thing that attracted Lucinda’s attention and that she could afford. It was an old battered framed photo of Jonathon when as a ten year old. He had lovely blond curly hair and winning smile. The old battered photo drew no attention as it had no monetary value – Lucy got it for ten Euro!

Lucy happily brought it home and proceeded to reframe it. When she opened the back of the old frame some papers fell out. They looked important, so she brought them to a lawyer. The lawyer looked at them, then at her sad face and he smiled, saying:
‘Lucinda,
This is your lucky day. This is a legal will.
Mr Archer left his whole estate to the person who loved his son enough to buy this photo.’

Advent reminds us that God wants us is to love his son Jesus.
He entrusted Jesus to us knowing how we would treat him.
He hopes we would rise to the occasion, do our best for him
Eventually, He in turn, would reward us with His Eternal Home.

Come Lord Jesus

Jack Mc Ardle,  And that’s the Gospel Truth, www.columba.ie