by Sister Paulette Hupfauf
As a hospital chaplain for almost 20 years, I have been privileged to journey with people in sickness and have been present as they die. The experience of dying is unknown and unpredictable for each of us. Some of us approach it with fear, others with trust.
St. Paul reminds us in today's first reading: "We proclaim Christ crucified, a stumbling block to many, but to those who are called, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God." The example of Jesus' trust in God's love comes in Jesus' acceptance of both life and death.
Perhaps we might use the following questions and scripture passages to reflect on how we approach the unknown, the unpredictable in our everyday life. It may suggest to us ways we might increase our trust in God.
May we be encouraged by the example of others faith and trust in God!
"God so loved the world
that he gave his only Son,
so that everyone who believes in him may have eternal
life."
-- John 3:16 (Gospel Acclamation for Third Sunday of Lent
Mass)
"Eye has not seen, ear
has not heard,
what God has prepared for those who love him."
-- 1 Cor 6:9
Thanks, S. Paulette. Some days it is easier to trust than others. In the hard times, the faith and love of my Sisters and those around me give me hope. What a gift!
Thanks, Sister Paulette, Trust and confidence in God's love is so important . I like the way you expressed it.
I could not have gotten through the rough times without God. Thanks Paulette for the reminder.
Thank you, Sister Paulette. I remember well the day my father died. I was sitting with him, holding his hand. It was a very poignant moment for me; one which still embraces me today. Your work is so very important. Thank you for reminding us that we must place our living and our dying in God's hands.