Thoughts on a Friday

Until very recently, the official state orders in New York were to return people to nursing homes even if they were not completely recovered from the Coronavirus. This allowed the virus to spread among those who were universally known to be the most vulnerable in our society. Too many died due to this policy. I understand that this same policy had been in place in a few other states that were hard hit by the virus, as well.

I am saddened more than angered by this situation in these states. I do mourn with the families everywhere who are grieving the loss of their loved ones, older Americans who had to die alone.

I have a list of prayer intentions on my refrigerator, one for each day of the week. Today’s reads: “For those who will die alone today.” (Thanks to Meg Hunter-Kilmer for these intentions.) There have been too many of those across the world, those who die seemingly alone, but I just am brought to tears when I contemplate them individually. It isn’t hard to imagine being left alone without loved ones around you to say good-bye as you transition from this earthly life.

My mind and heart are drawn to Jesus, abandoned and left alone to die. Only His dear mother, at the foot of the cross with one devoted friend, but they could not touch Him; perhaps they could reach up to caress one impaled, bleeding foot. But this was not how anyone should be left to die. To die alone and to feel forsaken and unwanted is one of the cruelest ways to go that I can think of.

I pray that those dying alone will feel the presence of our Risen Lord who I know is with them and that of His Blessed Mother, our Blessed Mother, who knows the sorrow and helplessness that comes from such a devastating situation. May those lone suffering and dying know that they are never truly alone. I’ve been praying this for a while now and I suppose I must go on doing so. Won’t you join me? And let us pray for the families who are mourning the losses, may they be comforted.

Let us also pray for those who are now troubled in heart and lamenting their wrong decisions that very probably cost people their lives, people who thought they were safe by being quarantined in place, but who were actually in mortal danger. All life matters, young and old, sick and healthy, rich and poor. And everyone in between. Let us pray.

Litany of Trust

From the belief that
I have to earn Your love
Deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear that I am unlovable
Deliver me, Jesus.
From the false security
that I have what it takes
Deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear that trusting You
will leave me more destitute
Deliver me, Jesus.
From all suspicion of
Your words and promises
Deliver me, Jesus.
From the rebellion against
childlike dependency on You
Deliver me, Jesus.
From refusals and reluctances
in accepting Your will
Deliver me, Jesus.
From anxiety about the future
Deliver me, Jesus.
From resentment or excessive
preoccupation with the past
Deliver me, Jesus.
From restless self-seeking
in the present moment
Deliver me, Jesus.
From disbelief in Your love
and presence
Deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear of being asked
to give more than I have
Deliver me, Jesus.
From the belief that my life
has no meaning or worth
Deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear of what love demands
Deliver me, Jesus.
From discouragement
Deliver me, Jesus.

That You are continually holding me
sustaining me, loving me
Jesus, I trust in you.
That Your love goes deeper than my
sins and failings, and transforms me
Jesus, I trust in you.
That not knowing what tomorrow
brings is an invitation to lean on You
Jesus, I trust in you.
That you are with me in my suffering
Jesus, I trust in you.
That my suffering, united to Your own,
will bear fruit in this life and the next
Jesus, I trust in you.
That You will not leave me orphan,
that You are present in Your Church
Jesus, I trust in you.
That Your plan is better
than anything else
Jesus, I trust in you.
That You always hear me and in
Your goodness always respond to me
Jesus, I trust in you.
That You give me the grace to accept
forgiveness and to forgive others
Jesus, I trust in you.
That You give me all the strength
I need for what is asked
Jesus, I trust in you.
That my life is a gift
Jesus, I trust in you.
That You will teach me to trust You
Jesus, I trust in you.
That You are my Lord and my God
Jesus, I trust in you.
That I am Your beloved one
Jesus, I trust in you.

Amen.

Written by Sr. Faustina Maria Pia, Sister of Life .

“The Sisters of Life is a contemplative / active religious community of women founded in 1991 by John Cardinal O’Connor for the protection and enhancement of the sacredness of every human life. Like all religious communities, we take the three traditional vows of poverty, chastity and obedience. We also are consecrated under a special, fourth vow to protect and enhance the sacredness of human life.” – www.sistersoflife.org