FAITH NEEDS SIGNS...

It has been sometime since the last post and once again tragedy seems to make the pen move.

I received news a couple of days ago that a good friend has been diagnosed with cancer. She says she knew it was coming, but with the load of other responsibilities just kept putting off the visit to the doctor. Well now her worst fears have been confirmed.

I would like to share with all the readers of this blog her words - some of the most beautiful I have heard in a long time inspired by Mark 4:35-41. She will I hope pardon my use of them, realizing that they can bring solace to many in pain whose faith does not pre-empt worry, anger, frustration and depression. She writes:

"Having the Lord in the boat does not give us the guarantee that storms will not come our way. The only thing we know for certain is that He will get up from his sleep before we sink. The problem for me is that I don't want Him to sleep even for a second!"

So don't be too upset if in facing the problems of life your faith does not seem powerful enough to remove anxiety and worry. You, too perhaps wish that He does not sleep even for a second on His watch.

Good news - He never sleeps.

FACING TERMINAL ILLNESS

The last few days have not been among the best ones I have lived. Two days ago I was called to the bedside of a parishioner - Theresa - who is now in the terminal stages of cancer. She thought she had conquered the big, bad 'C' with chemo and radiation but 'C' returned and is now gradually taking control of her body. Theresa is a fighter and many of us who know her are certain that she is not going without a fight. Yet, it is so sad to see her body wasting away.

She told me that she was not afraid to die - and her voice had deep conviction when she said it soon after she had received the Sacrament of Anointing and the Viaticum. But, she is sad and terrified at leaving behind her young son - Vivek - who is 10 and her doting husband - Valerian. She kept repeating to all of us present - "Take care of my Vivek and my Valerian."

Yesterday she was moved to a hospice for the terminally ill where I am told she is at peace with some top-class palliative care. She is relaxed and peaceful, feeling much better and stronger. But we know it is a matter of time.

Questions keep cropping up - the regular kind that afflicts the human mind when faced with innocent suffering and premature death. "WHY LORD?"

For now there are no answers - we can just live the questions...and in the meantime here is a beautiful poem that was sent to me...Yes, He who walks on water can calm the stormy seas of our life. Amen.