When I first found out my Mom had stomach cancer stage 4 on 19th December 2014, I was utterly broken. She was only 59, she hadn't even retired yet, we had so many plans for her and my father, she had so many plans for herself and her husband, why did this have to happen now? Questions, questions, they didn't stop coming and I couldn't stop thinking them.
What about my father? I was sure he had all the same questions too and more. This was his wife whom he loved with all his heart, the woman he had promised to be with his entire life, in sickness and in health. To be told she didn't have much time left would be devastating. And yet he came back with faith, complete faith in our Lord, complete faith that she would be healed. Now when I think back, my Dad reminds me of the centurion in the Gospel of Luke. He trusted that Jesus would heal his servant and Jesus did.
Today, I am surrounded by people all around who show pity and say that there is nothing humanly possible. It is the will of God and all we can do is comfort. But as a Christian, I still hope. I believe that Jesus can heal and He will. Ask and you shall receive (Matthew 7) - this is what Jesus asks of us and I thank Him today for healing my mother. I have taken my parents to two healing services at Good Shepherd Place in Toa Payoh. The first time, when she was prayed over, I felt that Jesus had come down from the altar to touch her. I felt His presence among us - For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there I am in the midst of them (Deut 19:20). My mother got her strength back spiritually.
However, I am still faced with trials. People who believe there is no hope left and threaten to bring me down by trying to make me realize this. The same people who say that if it was us, we would never do the chemo, we would want quality of life. I then begin to question our decision again - was it right to do chemo? I remind myself that God is a loving teacher, He is guiding us through every step. I remind myself to discern before making any major decision, to enter into a loving relationship with our Father, to know His will and accept it as our Mother did - Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord, let it be done to me according to Thy will (Luke 1).
We do not know God's plan but we do know that we can ask for His forgiveness and aid. As with the raising of Lazarus, we can glorify His name and be a witness to His healing. God would never let us down. He is a loving God and He always wants what's best for us.
Act of Hope:
Oh my God, I believe in You and all that Your Church teaches, because You have said it and Your word is true. Today, I know in my heart that peace comes from a relationship with You. I enter into this covenant as my forefathers did before me, and pray that You will heal my mother. I pray that my father will continue to be in good health. I pray for my family, and friends. I pray for the intentions of the Holy Father, the bishops, priests, deacons and all the ministers who go about doing Your work today. Give us all courage and acceptance to Your will, that we may glorify Your name and be Your witnesses, as Jesus taught us.
Mary, our Mother, please intercede for us.
Amen.