Fr. Mario was
back. Parishioners missed the good priest who always sprinkled his Homilies
with funny anecdotes. He had fallen ill, and was confined in the hospital,
having been diagnosed with cancer of the blood. During masses, the priests
would ask people to pray for his recovery, with a request for them not to visit
him as he underwent medication.
So it was
glad news that Fr. Mario was celebrating Mass once more in Holy Cross Parish in
Henderson, Auckland. I attended one of
those masses on June 30, where coincidentally the readings focused on Jesus’
healing powers. I was drawn to his statement
that “God gives suffering for a reason.”
He said that
when he first learned of his illness, he went into denial, and he only suffered
the more. But when he accepted his fate, he saw the world in a different
perspective. During hospital visits, he saw other cancer-stricken patients, and
could feel the depression and stress they underwent. He joined sharing
sessions, and brought the Good News to other sufferers. He then realized that as
he empathized with fellow sufferers, he was himself healed physically, and more
importantly, spiritually.
“When the storms of life come, the wicked are whirled
away, but the godly have a lasting foundation.” (Proverbs 10:25) It is not God’s intention to make one
suffer or be in pain; He promises renewal, healing and spiritual
direction. Through suffering, we are given
a fresh re-start in our belief; we are strengthened in our faith, we are given
a new vista on how we relate to Him and to others.
For as long
as we lean on Him, we become stronger and focused, knowing that He leads us to
understanding better our life, appreciating more our neighbors, and
reconnecting the bond that ties us to Him.
As the Mass
was at its tail end, Fr. Mario said that the final blessings would also include
those who had left the church after the communion. And everyone smiled. Fr.
Mario was back, also, with his humor.
Let us pray
for the healing of Fr. Mario and all the people in the world who are suffering
or in pain.
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