(Galatians 6:7)
It happens each day. A person intentionally hurts someone or knowingly commits a wrongdoing and, in return, something bad happens to them. It's inevitable. It could occur an hour or 20 years later. We all know there are consequences for our actions.
But, what about youngsters? My friend "Ally" confided in me a deep, dark family secret. When she was in second grade, her brother "Scott," who was two years older and had already reached puberty, sexually molested her. He would kiss her and have her fondle him. Sometimes it was in the family bathroom. Other times, it was when they were in the woods behind their backyard.
When Ally reached adulthood, she spoke to a psychologist who explained that her situation was not uncommon. Many children at that age experiment. Ally felt some relief because it explained much of her behavior growing up and her brother's continued animosity toward her, all characteristics of being molested as child.
Ally talked it through with her doctor, forgave Scott, and basically forgot about the whole situation. Now, 38 years after the incidents occurred, the topic resurfaced. A family dispute with Jeff prompted Ally to bring up what happened to her as a child for the first time. Scott denied it wholeheartedly and even told his pregnant wife of the accusation. The family is now in turmoil.
St. Eustace is the patron saint of difficult situations. He was a general in the Roman Army. He had a premonition that he would suffer for Christ and then witnessed a glowing crucifix appeared between the antlers of a deer. This caused St. Eustace to immediately convert to Christianity. He was martyred for his beliefs being cooked to death in a bronze bull in Rome, Italy in 188.
St. Eustace's feast day is Sept. 20.
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