I was in New York on Saturday, seemingly, by sheer accident. But I don’t believe in chance or accident concerning spiritual things.

I had Hagey Tour reservations for a date next month but due to a cancellation, I was able to go on the day Pope Benedict XVI was in town. The city was abuzz with excitement. Fifth Avenue was blocked off for blocks near St. Patrick’s Cathedral and busses that had brought in thousands from miles around were lining Madison Ave. It was difficult at times maneuvering through the people traffic. But despite the crowds, there was a peaceful, patient attitude and a gentle, pleasant atmosphere all around.  Choirs were singing beautiful music and even the honking of horns was less than usual. Everything suggested that the Pope was in town.
 
As I made my way up Fifth Avenue, I encountered a group of Atheists protesting the Pope’s visit and waving placards in support of the separation of church and state. One fellow, Rich, who looked like former Pennsylvania Senator, Rick Santorum, told me he was a former Catholic youth leader. His demeaner really did suggest that he was a good person. Someone who had done many good and admirable works. And he was obviously well read in philosophy. He had sadly searched for something good works could provide and came up empty.

Rich was an obviously bright person who had tried everything except the simplest and only way to true salvation. He related that there were just too many unanswerable questions and too many unknowns for his inquiring, scientific mind. He even said he believed science would eventually solve all of our biggest problems. So, he decided to chuck the cumbersome load of religion for the dead end destination of atheism.

I told him that my husband, a scientist, thought a lot like him many years ago, but that he’d come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ by a simple child like faith and submission to the conviction of the Holy Spirit. This seemed to resonate with Rich even though he did call it a,”Mental aberration”. I said, ‘If I am right and you are wrong and if you died today, what do you think would happen?’ To this, he had no answer and looked a bit troubled before shrugging it off by saying, “Nothing”. I told him about my eternal security, as a believer. On leaving, I said he had nothing to lose and everything to gain, if I am right. And conversely, he has everything to lose and nothing to gain, if he’s wrong. He seemed interested in that concept that I had thought might be too trite. But apparently not, because, when asked, he said he would visit this blog. My prayer is that he will separate himself from the atheist group, be born again and then witness to other non believers. Afterall, God does work in mysterious ways.