In this Sunday's Scriptures we are challenged by the question of wealth. Jesus asks: If, therefore, you are not trustworthy with dishonest wealth, who will trust you with true wealth? This past Wednesday I witnessed an example of true wealth in a visit with Frank at Upstate Hospital. Philippians 3: 10 I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the sharing of his sufferings by becoming like him in his death... Luke 14: 27 Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me, cannot be my disciple. A nurse recommended I visit Frank because he often cried in pain, a Catholic man who was suffering with advanced prostate cancer and was only in his 50s. This type of visit is often difficult for me; to speak of trusting God in the midst of such struggle seems contrived when I have never endured such pain. I'm the guy who runs for the headache medicine when the pain deprives me of sleep! Frank was pleased to have me simply listen, only repeating some of what he shared to ensure I was hearing it correctly. He came from a large family; he is one of 9 siblings. He first experienced the cancer some time ago, but this year things have taken a turn as bone mets have developed which are extremely painful. His family supports him with love and visits. But his 14-yr-old daughter is beside herself with grief and anger. But Frank informed me that he no longer complains. "How can I when I consider all that Jesus has suffered for me, for all of us. If only my family could look beyond my suffering to see how marvelous is His Love. So I offer Him my pain in return. I no longer ask Him for healing; I suppose he would have answered that prayer sometime ago. But so many need our prayers. They don't see God's goodness and mercy." I told him my Mom called that "offering it up." Frank said, "That's right. I do so especially for the Poor Souls!" All during this time while he relayed his thoughts, his face radiated peace while the tears fell because of pain. Such a rare combination! Frank so gratefully received Holy Communion and then asked if we could pray that his daughter would find the true peace of Christ. And so we did. Here was a man for whom suffering had become true wealth. A marvel to behold. Praise God! O Mary conceived without sin, pray for Frank who has recourse to you, as well as his daughter!
Thank you Terry for telling us this. My aunt Mary died of painful cancer some years ago and offered her pain to prevent some poor soul from committing a mortal sin. I've never forgotten that. She believed she was at Calvary with Our Lord and so she "offered it up." She too had a radiance even though in her last days she was utterly gaunt and wasted away. She died what I would consider a very holy death. God bless Frank.
