Tomorrow is my surgery. I am a little bit nervous about having the hysterectomy since this a huge unknown for, not like my other surgeries. Plus, it’s a big change for my life. I am supposed to be there bright and early at 6 am. Surgery is scheduled for 8am. Part of the reason I am nervous is usually I get a phone call from the hospital the day before my surgery or Friday if it’s on a Monday and that didn’t happen. Then in the little handy-dandy surgery booklet my doctor gave me they gave a number to call on Sunday if you didn’t get a call. I called it and the person I reached tried her best to confirm the time that my doc had given me but she was unable to reach anyone. So I will go the time my doc scheduled my surgery. I am trusting and having faith that everything is fine.
Finding a priest to give me the Anointing of the Sick was much harder than I expected it to be. First, I left a message for my pastor. I didn’t hear from him for a while so I called the number the nuns at the bookstore and played phone tag with the priest. So then I decided to call Franciscan University ( I only live about 45 minutes away) and see whether I could make the trip to receive the Sacrament Anointing of the Sick before my surgery. The person I talked to said sure come by, there are plenty of priests here. The next day I drove to Steubenville. When I reached the chapel on campus I was told by the receptionist that the one friar who was the director of the chapel when I attended FUS was out for the day and then I was given a list of numbers to call to see if a priest was available. At that point I was doubting that I would receive the sacrament. But I was really hoping that I would see a friar on campus somewhere. I did. But he was deep in conversation and I didn’t want to interrupt. I ended up walking around campus for a while and noticed that the friar was still talking with the same student. Now, I am not the type of person to go up to someone I don’t know and ask them to help right off the bat. But I was desperate. I didn’t know what else to do so I strolled over to the priest, said excuse me and explained to him my situation and asked if he could give me the Anointing of the Sick. He was so kind. After a few minutes he ended his conversation with the student. Since he was from out-of-town he needed to find the oil (believe its chrism oil) which he did in the chapel. Then he administered the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick to me. I was so happy and at peace after I received the sacrament.
I think I was being tested by God. I think God was testing my perseverance and how much I really wanted the Sacrament. I think he was also testing my patience. I think God was saying to me “you will receive the Sacrament in my time, not when you think you should receive it”. What do you think? Here are some Bible voices on patience and perseverance:
Luke 8: 15 ”And as for that in the good soil, they are those who, hearing the word, hold it fast in an honest and good heart, and bring forth fruit with patience.”
Romans 2: 7 ”to those who by patience in well-doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, he will give eternal life”
Galatians 5: 22-23 ”But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such there is no law.
2Th 1: 4 ”Therefore, among God’s churches we boast about your perseverance and faith in all the persecutions and trials you are enduring.”
Hbr 12: 1 ”Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.”
James 1: 3 ”because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.”
James 5: 11 “As you know, we consider blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.”
At Mass we sang a song that was based on psalm 103. I couldn’t remember the song’s name but I found this rendition of the psalm.
Here are a couple of my favorite contemporary Christian songs.
Two thoughts and a prayer:
1. An 8am schedule is good – it means that you are first/second on doctor’s schedule – less chance for delay.
2. Bring something to read or listen to – delays/emergencies sometime happen. They will give you something else to think about… other than the TV.
Prayer: Lord, look upon Teresa with eyes of mercy, may your healing hand rest upon her, may your lifegiving powers flow into every cell of her body and into the depths of her soul, cleansing, purifying, restoring her to wholeness and strength for service in your Kingdom. Amen.
“Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me, for in Thee my soul takes refuge; in the shadow of of Thy wings I will take refuge, till the storms of destruction pass by.” Psalms 57:1 My Girl, stay “in the shadow of His wings, and you will be fine. You are strong in your faith and in God. It will not be long and you and I will once again be trying to “control our tongues:>)”
As far as your problem with finding a Priest. Have you ever thought, “Maybe it had to be the “right Priest?” I feel you were sent to this man, because he had the most “faith” in this Blessed Sacrament. You know those who “give” the Sacraments have to have as much faith in them, as we do. I think God loved you sooooooooooooooo much, you had to go to the right person.
I love you “My Girl” and candle will be lit tomorrow morning around 5a.m. It will burn until you are well. Give Kevin my love also. God Bless and love you, SR
God bless you Teresa, God will be with you my friend and you will be in my prayers.
Lord stand with Your daughter Teresa, watch over the surgeons hands as he works. anoint her with all things good and take away her fears. In Your wonderful Son Jesus name, we request this. Thank you Lord, we give You glory and praise. Amen and amen!
I’ll remember you and the medical staff in my morning prayer. God be with you.
Be blessed, Teresa