The Empty Bench
Every Sunday, old Mrs Fernandes sat alone on the third bench near the side altar. People greeted her politely, but no one stayed long. They were busy with family, photos, conversations and plans.
One rainy Sunday, sixteen-year-old Joel noticed her shivering slightly after Mass. Everyone else rushed out because of the rain. Joel almost went too, but something stopped him. He walked back and asked, "Aunty, shall I wait with you?"
Her face brightened. "Only if you are not in a hurry."
He stayed ten minutes. Then twenty. They spoke about her late husband, her garden, her school days and her fear of growing old alone. Joel listened more than he spoke.
When her ride finally came, she held his hand and said, "Today, God answered a prayer I did not know how to say."
Reflection
Joel walked home in silence. He had not preached, donated money or done something dramatic. He had simply given presence. Yet he realized that sometimes love is not about solving someone's problem. It is about refusing to let them face it alone.