The fullness of life

Once every month the clergy of the Archdiocese of Manila gathers together at Bahay Pari, in the compound of San Carlos Seminary, on Edsa. For the past year, in this recollection, His Eminence Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales has been presenting the intimate meaning of the Vision and Mission of the Archdiocese — the service of God, leading to the fullness of life.

This month the subject was “Sickness — the Realities We Have to Face.” The Cardinal stressed the fact that prevention of sickness by good habits of living can be done at no cost, while the cure through medical care is often so expensive that it is out of the reach of the poor.

He gave an excellent analysis of the spiritual value of suffering. It is hardship, an adventure, a challenge. And if we accept it properly it can unite us with God, with all those who love us, and with all those whom we love. It can lead us directly to the fullness of life.

And we prayed with special love and concern for all those who are ill or infirm, asking the Lord for his consoling grace to strengthen the sick in times of trial. We said this “Litany of Compassion for the Sick”:

When anguish is intensified by the need for reconciliation. R.

When sickness is mistaken for punishment. R.

When sickness causes financial hardship that leads to worry or despair. R.

When afflicted by the feeling of nothing to hope for. R.

When illness makes those who are suffering moody or irritable. R.

When it’s impossible to maintain familiar routines. R.

ALL: Most merciful Father, your beloved Son showed special compassion to lepers, tenderness to those long sick, and healing to the infirm laid before him. We place before you all those who are ill and in need of healing grace. May the love and mercy of the DIVINE PHYSICIAN raise up all who suffer from sickness and restore them to health and peace. We ask this in the name of Christ our Lord. AMEN.

I present this so that you might say it — if you want to — for all those sick or infirm, whom you love.

There is a daily texting service called: “One Minute With God.”