Have you noticed all the crucifixes located next to highways and thoroughfares? Some are simple and makeshift, constructed of low-grade materials, while others are elaborate and more carefully crafted with great diligence and attention to detail. Some appear as lonely crosses scattered among brush and natural surroundings while others are set apart, enhanced by words, images, plantings, and other marks of remembrance. I assume that in all cases, these stand adjacent to places of great tragedy.  They are left behind as a memorial to someone lost in a most dreadful fashion.

I contrast this with efforts to remove the signs and symbols of Christianity from public view. We eliminate references to God from government buildings, schools, and even hospital chapels. When there are national tragedies, such as school shootings, many say without reservation that our prayers are with the victims and their families. But during other less intense times, we hold back, keeping our beliefs to ourselves. It’s a contrast indeed.

In our times of distress, suffering, and tragedy, many of us turn to God. We look to him to ease our pain, right some wrong, and make straight the path before us. Perhaps this is when we pray most fervently, seek him most earnestly, and desire his presence most ardently. Anyone who has served as a chaplain understands well how human presence, listening, compassion, and mercy can help strengthen the connection we feel to the divine. To be accompanied during our times of pain can help us to feel accompanied by the one who created and who loves us unconditionally.

These days, I have taken to simpler and shorter prayers, ones that read like a mantra, which can be easily remembered but which are powerful and help me to feel connected, accompanied. Here are some of my favorites:

“Everything is yours; do with it what you will. Give me only your love and your grace, that is enough for me.” — St. Ignatius Loyola

“Mary, Mother of Jesus, please be a mother to me now.” — St. Teresa of Calcutta

“I will not fear, for you are ever with me, and you will never leave me to face my perils alone.” – Thomas Merton

“Father, I am seeking; I am hesitant and uncertain, but will you, O God, watch over every step of mine and guide me?” – St. Augustine

“Pray for us, O holy Mother of God, that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.” – Hail, Holy Queen (recited during the Rosary prayer)

Like crucifixes by the side of the road, bring prayers such as these with you every step of the way, marking the places in your life filled with joy, gratitude, and consolation… and also sorrow, distress, and suffering. 

Remember: You are accompanied. You are always accompanied.