CMO 80: Short Story: Carlos and the Light Beyond the Door

 

Los(t) Angeles Unrest (The "t" is not a typo!)

¡Primero! I was informed about the situation taking place in Los Angeles. First of all, my fellow Californians would do themselves a favor by offering prayer for their current Governor. No judgment. Just something that is needed. Don't pray out of anger or hatred, but from a place of love because it is the right thing to do.

¡Segundo! It makes sense that this is happening with the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage making its way to the "City of Angels" via Indianapolis, Indiana. The Lord is scheduled to arrive at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels (555 W. Temple Street, LA, CA) on Sunday (Corpus Christi) June 22nd. It makes perfect sense that something like this occurred or is occurring ahead of that visit. What was it that one Catholic meme said along side an image of the Lord? Oh, that's right ... "Don't worry! Help is on the way." The inference meaning that Jesus is on the way!

So, keep those prayers flowing, the faith burning, the trust churning and let God--do what He does best.

-----

¡Solo digo!

I wish those who profess "Lord! Lord!" would stop preaching the "Good News" (which it truly is) reminding me of how I should live my life, act toward my neighbors, etc., and then act contrary to that message. Word of advice: Stop it! It doesn't look good on you. It's time to do a deep-dive come to Jesus meeting with the Lord and get yourself straightened out--then come talk to me! Again, not judging. Just saying. (Note: This applies to me too!).

-----

What is Corpus Christi?

Just in case you are wondering. In the Catholic Church, Corpus Christi refers to the Feast of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ, a solemn celebration of the Eucharist. It honors the belief that Christ is truly present in the consecrated bread and wine. The feast originated in the 13th century, officially established by Pope Urban IV in 1264, and is traditionally marked by processions, adoration, and special Masses.

The name itself, Corpus Christi, is Latin for "Body of Christ", emphasizing the central Catholic teaching of transubstantiation, where the bread and wine become the actual body and blood of Christ. The feast is observed on the Thursday after Trinity Sunday, though many places celebrate it on the following Sunday.

Source:  Microsoft Copilot

-----

¡Una breve historia!

A Short Story. In this story, Carlos has reached a point in his life where he wants to meet the Lord and unburden himself of a life of sin. The only thing preventing that was his misplaced fear of God. What he should be focused on (which he learns from the priest) is that God's Mercy is available to anyone who wants it--you just have to ask. Of course, we need to change or remove those obstacles that get in our way of our relationship with Christ but that is a story for another time.

Carlos and the Light Beyond the Door

Carlos sat on the church steps, his head bowed, hands stuffed into his jacket pockets. He had been avoiding this place for weeks—maybe months. He wasn't sure anymore. He knew what people whispered about him: reckless, selfish, lost. He figured God thought the same.

As a child, he had imagined God as a towering figure in the clouds, watching him with stern eyes, tallying his mistakes like marks on a chalkboard. And Carlos had given Him plenty to count—lies told, promises broken, anger spilled onto those who loved him most.

That night, he had nowhere left to go. The weight of regret pressed down on his shoulders. He stared at the massive wooden doors of the church, cracked open ever so slightly, and something inside tugged at him—an invitation, barely visible, but undeniably present.

Carlos rose and stepped inside. The dim candlelight flickered, casting gentle shadows on the walls. He expected to feel judged, to hear condemning silence. But instead, there was warmth. The scent of old wood and incense filled the air, familiar and strangely comforting.

At the far end of the church stood the confessional, its door open as if waiting for him. His heart pounded. Could he really do this? Could he face everything he had done?

A priest entered, his expression kind but expectant, as though he had been waiting for Carlos all along. The boy hesitated before stepping inside, lowering himself onto the worn seat.

He took a shaky breath. “Father… I don’t know if I can be forgiven. I’ve—I've done things. Bad things.”

The priest nodded patiently. “The Lord already knows. But He doesn’t count your sins the way you think He does.”

Carlos clenched his fists. “I’ve been afraid of Him. Afraid of what He’d do if I came back.”

The priest’s voice was steady and sure. “Carlos, you were never abandoned. God has been waiting for you—not with wrath, but with mercy. He has seen your struggle, and even now, He reaches out with love. Are you ready to receive it?”

Carlos swallowed hard. He had spent so much time running, hiding, believing he was beyond redemption. But the truth settled over him like a quiet sunrise—God was not his accuser. He was his Father.

With tears in his eyes and a heart finally unburdened, Carlos whispered the words he had feared for so long: “Forgive me.”

And in that sacred moment, grace flooded the broken places.

Carlos had been lost, but now he was found.

Do not think there is not a place for you at the Lord's table, because there is. When you're ready, you will find your way there. In the meantime, we'll be praying for you.

Carlos Michael (P.S. Those are not horns! LOL)