POUR OUT YOUR HEART
IN THE PRESENCE OF THE LORD
IN THE PRESENCE OF THE LORD
In today's Gospel acclamation we
proclaim, "Christ took away our infirmities and bore our diseases"
(Mt. 8:17). It is worth meditating on the fact that when our heavenly Father
became incarnate in Jesus Christ His Son, it was not to remove all human suffering
but rather to share in it. The Gospels are full of stories of Jesus healing
people and even raising some from the dead. There are many stories of Jesus
comforting and enlivening people with His words of salvation. He did indeed
come that we might have life. He "took away our infirmities and bore our
diseases!"
I am a hospice chaplain who spends time
with many special people in their final chapter of life as we know it. As I
reflect on the Scriptures and the Eucharist today, one person comes to mind
whom I would like to share with you and all who read these reflections each
day. This person has shown me how the loving Presence of Christ is with us on
our journey.
Penny, at forty-five years old, was
married with six children and had a brain tumor. I only knew her for a very
short time. At my first visit, she was unconscious. I laid hands on her and
prayed with the family. Two days later her husband called me to come right
away, as Penny was awake! I went, and brought the Eucharist with me.
When I arrived, Penny was in her
hospital bed in the living room, awake and with her family all around. She was
unable to talk because of the pressure of the tumor on her brain. I asked her
if she wanted me to pray with her, and if she'd like to make a profession of
her Catholic Faith. I told her that if the answer was "yes" to blink
her eyes once, and she did. When she needed to respond to the questions with
"I do" she blinked once. Then I asked her if she would like to
receive the Eucharist, and again she blinked once. I broke a small piece of
Jesus' Body and gave It to her. Her eyes began to swell and fill with tears.
Her face glowed with Jesus' loving Presence. One hour later she died.
Our destination is not death but life.
We are called to imitate Jesus by doing everything we can to alleviate the
sufferings of others. At the same time, we are called to encourage one another
with the hope that Jesus will fill us with unending life. Our sharing in the
Eucharist is the pledge that confirms our hope and love in God.
As I always say, "We are not meant
to do this alone!"