Haven by Bobbi Smith - Haven

Author:Bobbi Smith - Haven [Smith, Bobbi]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Fiction, Romance, Contemporary, Christian
ISBN: 1477808353
Google: Xp9YfuJP3RkC
Amazon: B002JPJVM2
Goodreads: 2843784
Publisher: Leisure Books
Published: 1993-12-31T16:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

Mark was impressed by his first view of St. Gabriel’s. It was an old church with stained-glass windows and a tall, impressive steeple with a cross on top.

“It’s a beautiful church,” he told Christine and her parents, pausing on the sidewalk to look up at the building.

“We enjoy coming here. There’s something special about the older churches. Our church at home is new and very modern, so this is a treat,” Laura said.

Mark followed Christine and her parents up the steps and inside. He was surprised by the sense of peace that enveloped him when he passed through the doors.

It was reverently quiet.

The pews were old.

The ceiling was high, supported by massive pillars.

No one was talking.

Everyone prayed.

Mark followed Christine and her parents up the center aisle to a pew near the front. He slid into the pew next to Christine and sat staring up at the altar, remembering the last time he’d attended a Mass.

It had been with Jenny at her parish in the city.

Mark forced his thoughts away from Jenny. She’d been on his mind too much lately. He tried to focus on the Mass as it began. He listened attentively to the readings and to the Gospel.

Having finished reading the Gospel, the priest announced, “Today we are blessed to have a guest speaker from the archdiocesan office. Charles Wilson is the head of pro-life activities. He’s come to talk with us this weekend.”

The priest took his seat as Charles Wilson made his way up to the microphone.

“As Father told you, I am the director of the Pro-Life office.” He paused and smiled as he looked out across the congregation. “I think it’s most appropriate that I’m here, speaking at St. Gabriel’s. Gabriel brought the news to Mary that she was with child, and I’m here to bring you news of the pro-life cause—and to make a special request.”

Mark immediately, and cynically, assumed Wilson was going to hit everyone up for money. He had no doubt that in a few minutes they’d be passing the basket, seeking donations. He was prepared to completely ignore anything the man had to say. Life was all about money. His mother had taught him that. When the basket came his way, he’d put a few dollars in just so no one thought he was cheap, but he wasn’t interested in the man’s message.

“Life is love,” Charles Wilson declared with certainty. “It’s as simple as that—and as complicated. God created us to be loving creatures. Jesus said, ‘Love one another as I have loved you.’ So often during the course of our days, we lose track of the meaning of our existence. So many other things can intrude and distract us from our purpose in life. We need to concentrate on what is really important—and what is really important is to love and nurture each other from the moment of conception until death. Life is our most precious gift. We need to treasure it. At the end of the pews on the side aisles you will find—”

Here it comes, Mark thought sarcastically.

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