Your Plus One

In all honesty, we tend to take them for granted. I am referring to those people in our lives who are there for us…our spouses, good friends, sisters, brothers, our priests. The individuals we turn to when we need company, a listening ear, dependable advice, an escort, a soul mate, someone to laugh with or a shoulder to cry on. RSVPs to a wedding or special event refer to such a person as your Guest or the Plus One. 

With a social invitation, the Plus One remains unnamed. The invitee decides who that person will be. Though the title does not specify, it is generally understood to be an important person in your life, one whom you want to acknowledge and let others meet and get to know. The Plus One is someone you enjoy spending time with and someone you are proud to share with others.

In Chapter 7 of Genesis, we read that God ordered Noah to bring on the ark with him pairs of different animals, “a male and its mate”. God did not create his creatures to walk alone in this world. By ourselves, we are incomplete. In this weekend’s Gospel reading from Mark 6:7, “Jesus summoned the Twelve and began to send them out two by two…” Our Lord knew the value of companionship and the comfort that comes from strength in numbers. 

Throughout our lifetimes, we may come to rely on many different Plus Ones. If we are truly fortunate, we retain lifelong friends. Many of us are blessed with marriages that thrive and endure for decades. And yet, no earthly relationship comes with a lifetime guarantee, let alone one that remains with us into eternity.

As Catholic Christians we know in our hearts the eternal Plus One who is always available, ever-dependable, totally listening, Love Incarnate. We have the ability to be so much more, we ARE so much more, because of the One & Only Plus One. Invite Him to join you on your journey. Don’t take Him for granted. Reach for His hand. Accept His comfort and grace.

How often and how well do I consciously bring Our Lord God, the perfect embodiment of Plus One-ness, with me to every event in my life? How hard do I strive to introduce this special someone to every person I meet? I know I can do better.

God is in the ordinary and unnoticed moments of your life. 

His presence never ceases.

Wherever you are, God is there, gifting you His never-ending grace, mercy, and love.

Turn to God in prayer and love again and again.

And do so today.                                                         ~ Jon Leonetti