“I don't know, Luke’s very bad. He received viaticum and blessings from Fr., prayers for the dying and rosary. He is well prepared...” FROM josie a moment ago
Sorry about that last post from JOSIE. I wrote it in haste between patients. We had been wondering if Luke would last the day.
When Josie said Luke had been restless last night it made me think of the words of St Augustine: 'Thou hast made us for thyself, O Lord, and our heart is restless until it finds its rest in thee.' and I also thought of Luke's own projection that one last great battle for his souls had to be fought...a fight that Satan know he would lose but fought it anyway just from exorbitant malice. Safe in the hands of Jesus, Mary and Joseph and guarded by his angel and St Michael.
Yes, I prayed the Chaplet of St. Michael for Mac called Luke and am off to pray my evening rosary {Glorious} for him now, our Luke can use all the prayers we can muster now.
One way in which I have been humbled during these last few months of praying for Luke involves a post he made last March 19 concerning Medjugorje. Luke has never been a fan of Medjugorje, thinking it has more fluff than substance. I didn't notice his post until October 2, but decided to compose a rebuttal. The next day, Carol kindly posted me the following: I just want to let you know that Mac (Luke) has been diagnosed with cancer and the prognosis is not very good. He is seeing a specialist tomorrow. I hope that he doesn't mind me telling you, because he can use your prayers. I realize now, more than ever that when it comes to opinions, words often are cheap. I tend to run at the mouth. May I learn to refrain from quick judgments, and be ready to see the best in others, first! Lord have mercy!
Hi Mario Mac and I could not differ more in our views of The Church and held various strong longstanding resentments against each other but we reconciled and became good friends without compromising our convictions. We learned how to broach controversy with respect and consideration and we learned when it was best to avoid controversy. We learned that what we often wanted to say was frequently not really needed. We learned how to laugh with each other and be at peace. As my brother George RIP who was lifelong sober member of AA used to say “I no longer try to see through people - I try to see them through.” He passed with cancer aged 50 after a short illness.
Luke sent me this on Oct 1. Leiomyosarcoma is what I have growing in my chest. Unfortunately a rare cancer as well, one that does not repond to chemo.So no good news.”
This from Bishop Barron last month. “When you’re about to make a comment, ask yourself a very simple question: “Am I doing this out of love, out of a sincere wish for the good of the person or persons I’m addressing?” If not, shut up. If it becomes clear that your comment is simply spleen-venting, scapegoating, or virtue-signalling, shut up.” I think Luke and I learned along these lines.
“He's still here. He confirmed he's waiting for the 1st Saturday. I hope he makes it...3 1/2 hrs to go!” Got this 5 minutes ago from Josie
Not only the first Saturday but also the Feast of Candlemas and the (would be) Feast of the Flame of Love of the Immaculate Heart of Mary
I am praying he makes it. For some reason I feel this is it. I know it is Luke's wish to die a holy death on First Saturday and this Saturday is not only the First, but as Lumena pointed out it is Candlemas too. I pray that if it is within God's Will he will be granted that. God's Will be done though. Sometimes His plans are not our plans.
