Please, Pray For Me

We have a parishioner who came to me this morning before mass to ask for some prayers. He said, “Please, pray for me. I will be operated tomorrow.” Phil is a regular Church goer. He is quite active in the parish and very committed to his faith. But Phil, I was told, has been suffering from cancer for some years already. He will have one of his arms amputated tomorrow. I prayed for him this morning. But Phil has a deep faith. I have never seen any sense of fear or anxiety in his eyes. I knew he was ready for this. It’s true what they say that if you are with God, you cannot be scared of anything.

I just wonder how many people today go through life gripped with so much anxieties and fear? For some people, a little inconvenience will make them unhappy and depress. But how do we reckon those who are facing heavy trials and difficulties in their lives? These people who are facing some financial crisis, or marital problems, or those who have lost a sense of hope for a brighter future because of some sickness, etc. Usually, when we are faced with some difficulties or trials in our lives, we get so anxious and scared. Sometimes we want to escape and run away. But for others, like Phil, they face their trials and sufferings squarely. They are not afraid to face the challenges of life no matter how difficult or heavy they maybe. We just wonder what is giving them courage and strength? For Phil, I know it is his faith and deep devotion to God.

The great philosopher Camus says that “life is a series of sufferings.” Although there maybe some truth to this statement, it is not an absolute truth. Life, as we know it, is not at all suffering. It is a combination of both - joy and suffering. But, for many of us, we look and emphasize more on the negative side of life instead of its brighter side. Yes, we all have our own trials and challenges and difficulties in life. Who does not? But do we count our blessings too? When you are facing some problems or trials in your life, try not to get easily discourage or depress. Trials and problems are part and parcel of human existence. But life is much more.

In this life, we need to have a strong foundation in order for us to be able to stand especially when we are facing some problems or difficulties. Good for us if we have families and loved ones whom we can count on. But left with ourselves, we need God – the source of our being and existence – to survive the trials of this life. We cannot do it alone by ourselves. God is always there ready to protect and guide us. As the saying goes, “If God is with us, who can be against us.”