BK's Cancer Corner: A vocation to prayer

In the past half year I've been in touch with many people who have helped me cope with my lack of ability to do much other than lie in bed or sit on a chair. In going through old e-mails, I came across this one from the famous Na Zdrowie! poster, luke bruner. It was a great thought. When life gives you nothing but sour tasting lemons, you have to learn how to make lemonade! Here is his email which I'm sure he won't mind me sharing:

BK,

After sending the last letter I couldn't help but be reminded of a story I heard in St. Louis. Fr. John Kavanaugh S.J. (the most brilliant homilist I've ever heard), told a moving story about Old Jesuits.

In the Jesuit Order, the yearly directory lists every Jesuit, their location, and their assigned ministry. Those who were too old or ill to undertake other ministries were listed as "Praying for the Society and the Church." He then went on to talk about the desire of one's heart, and how many people desire to spend a great deal more time in prayer than they ever get around to doing. God often has other plans for them and they are called to serve the Church through specific forms of work.

What a joy, he suggested, that in times of sickness (or of old age) that a "contemplative in action" receive the assignment from a superior to spend all his time in prayer for the Society and the Church. He then went on to explain how, through the vow of obedience, a religious would (ideally!!!) regard assignments and orders from superiors as coming from the very mouth of Christ himself. After many years of work, what an incredible gift from God, to be assigned to do what one's heart most desires.

Though such an assignment may involve some physical sufferings (chemo, surgery, etc), they are really quite small compared to the joy of undertaking the heart's desire in ernest.

-Luke

I just received this as an email

Its a book written by Sean Brown, Meg's godfather. Oh yeah, the co-author is pretty well known in Catholic circles. Click the headline to go to the website.

Go In Peace: Your Guide to the Purpose and Power of Confession
by Fr. Mitch Pacwa, S.J., Sean Brown

Confession, Penance, Reconciliation. The ancient Sacrament of Penance is called many names but has one purpose—the forgiveness of sins. Many Catholics and other Christians are at best uncertain as to the need for confession, and many are anxious at the idea of sharing their sins with a priest. In this much-needed book, Fr. Mitch Pacwa and Sean Brown put all the confusion and anxiety to rest by answering the most common questions and objections to this indispensable sacrament.

As humans, we have an innate desire to be at peace. Sin
destroys this peace, leaving the soul in a weak and deprived state. In Go In Peace, the authors demonstrate that, through the power of confession, one is freed from the burden of sin and brought to peace with God and himself.

You will learn:

The biblical basis of confession
Why Christ gave the Church the power to forgive sins
Why this sacrament is required by the Church
What elements are necessary for a good confession
Why some sins require confession for forgiveness
The psychological benefits of confession
The spiritual benefits of confession.
...and much more!

One to a Hundred

A Children's Book about Cancer

Some of you know Tom and Kathy Fean. Tom is an alumnus of Holy Cross College. Kathy is the lady who wrote "Pray for Bobby" all over her van in Fort Wayne. Dad prayed over their son Greg when he was sick with cancer and the next day his cancer was gone. I don't think this book tells that story, rather it seems to be a way to introduce cancer treatment to kids - which is great. Anyway, click the headline to see the website. You may purchase the book online.

Bon Voyage Mary!

Most of you know that Mary returned to Poland yesterday and will be remaining there until Joey's and Jen's wedding. Thanks for all your help Mary! Besides the stem cells, we don't how we could have done it without your babysitting.

Happy Monday Morning!

Watch 4 year old Hunter Hayes perform in 1996 with Hank Williams Jr. It will make you happy.