“And whoever does not take up his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.”

My husband was diagnosed with lymphoma, and my brother came to visit him in the hospital. He gave him a crucifix, and they spoke about taking up this cross for Jesus. For the few months left, he did precisely that. We prayed for a cure for him, but it wasn’t God’s will, and after chemotherapy, radiation, etc., he contracted pneumonia and passed to his eternal life. All his friends and family prayed the Divine Mercy chaplet at his bedside. He received every blessing and sacrament possible.

For a long time, I struggled with why God took him at such an early age. Now, I realize that my husband took up his cross, and he followed Jesus, and even though he lost his life, he found eternal life with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Several times each week, we were so blessed to have the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist brought to our room in the hospital. It was a source of immense strength, empowering us to endure the weeks in the hospital, with all its ups and downs. The power of Holy Communion was a guiding light, helping us endure such hardships.

So let us, each in our own way, accept our crosses on the road to our eternal salvation and not shy away from them. To gain more strength for this, let us actively incorporate Holy Communion and Eucharistic Adoration into our lives, for they bring us peace and fortify our spirits.

Prayer:

Lord, please know that all our sufferings are given up to you in the form of prayer. Bring us closer to you with each Holy Communion and each Adoration Hour of the Eucharist, and please envelop us in your peace, a peace that surpasses all understanding.