When they all went to church together they filled the two front rows on the left of the Altar. But that wasn’t often, because they usually attended different Masses at St Vincent.
One day, out of the blue, Jack was taken severely ill and admitted to hospital. The whole family was devastated and it is fair to say that their Faith took quite a beating.
But not Jack. He remained calm and somehow, accepted the will of God. Of course, he was a little scared, but accepted what was happening to him willingly, trusting God that all would be well.
Father Ignatius visited him in the hospital often, and was greatly humbled by the man’s Faith and cheerfulness, despite the obvious pain he was in at times.
Jack remained in hospital for a while, receiving family visitors as well as his priest every now and then.
One day, whilst Father Ignatius was the only visitor Jack said to him:
“See that man over there Father, in the bed just opposite me?”
The priest nodded silently.
“He doesn’t believe in God Father …” continued Jack, “and he’s scared to death. He has the same symptoms and the same problems as me … and to be honest the doctors don’t hold much hope for either of us …”
Father Ignatius held Jack’s hand.
“Hey … I know what’s what Father. Both of us will have an operation soon and the chances are … well, I wouldn’t bet my shirt on it …”
Jack laughed weakly.
“You know what I did Father …”
The priest shook his head.
“Yesterday, I went over to that man. His name is Larry. And I said to Larry that Jesus will look after him. I told him that everything will be OK and he is not to worry about the operation.
“I don’t think he believed me, or in Jesus … but I think it calmed him down a bit.
“At least I’ve noticed that he’s stopped crying. He used to sit there and wipe his eyes and feel sorry for himself. He’s stopped that now. Maybe Jesus has started working on him … hein?”
Father Ignatius nodded weakly. He prayed silently for Jack and thanked the Lord for this man’s Faith in such adversity. Not only to believe in Christ’s healing power but to announce it boldly to someone who didn’t believe at all.
“Hey Father … you’d better give me Communion now; before the family turns up … you know how emotional they get … especially my wife ...” said Jack with a weak smile.
The priest prayed with Jack for a while after giving him Communion and waited until his family arrived before leaving the hospital.
A few days later Jack and Larry were operated on. Both operations were successful and after a period of recuperation in hospital and at home both fully recovered.
Jack and Larry became friends. Larry and his wife and daughter became Christian and attend church at St Vincent.
Jack’s severe illness and his stay in hospital were the channel for a family of un-believers to get to know and love Christ.
(Based on a true story).
MORE FATHER IGNATIUS STORIES HERE
...illness will do that!
ReplyDeleteThe feel-good story of the day, Victor. I loved this! Blessings!
ReplyDeleteA true story, Martha. I vouch for it.
DeleteGod bless.
God works in mysterious ways.
ReplyDeleteAmen Sandie. God bless you.
DeleteThis is a wonderful story, Victor. Thank you for sharing it. Another of my family members got some bed health news this past week. Stories like this strengthen the faith, no matter how the health goes. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteI am praying for your family member right now, Barbara.
DeleteGod bless you all.
Oh, thank goodness! I was so concerned this might have turned out differently.
ReplyDeleteWe were all concerned in reality when "Jack" was taken seriously ill. This story is real, Mevely. Praise God it ended well.
DeleteGod bless you always my friend.
God gives us many opportunities to witness, we just have to do it. You never know what could happen. :)
ReplyDeleteAmen K. God bless you.
DeleteVíctor, hermosa historia.
ReplyDeleteLos caminos del Señor son inciertos pero seguros.
La fe puede llegar hacer la mejor medicina para el cuerpo y para el alma.
Una delicia leerte.
Que pases un maravilloso y feliz fin de semana.
Besos Víctor
TRANSLATION: Victor, beautiful story.
DeleteThe ways of the Lord are uncertain but certain.
Faith can be the best medicine for both body and soul.
It's a delight to read your work.
Have a wonderful and happy weekend.
Kisses, Victor
You are very kind to me, Momentos; thank you so much. Surely, Faith can help us through difficult times.
God bless.
It's amazing what can happen when you give God the glory and show His love to others.
ReplyDeleteAmen Mimi. You are right.
DeleteGod bless you.
We never know how God will use us...We must be ready to be used to bring Glory to Him.
ReplyDeleteTrue; God used Jack to bring another family to experience God's love.
DeleteGod bless you, Shug.
This story is so touching and inspiring. Jack’s calm faith in the face of illness is really moving, but what makes it even more special is how he reached out to Larry. It’s amazing to see how his quiet courage and trust in God not only comforted himself but also helped someone else find hope and faith. The way you tell it shows how even in hardship, acts of kindness and faith can ripple out and transform lives. It’s a gentle reminder that even small gestures, guided by love and belief, can have a profound impact.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Melody for taking the time to visit and comment here. God bless you and your family.
DeleteThank you for this wonderful post and story.
ReplyDeleteAll the best Jan
Many thanx, Jan. God bless always.
DeleteVictor, what an inspiring and profound story. Thank you so much for sharing this! God bless you.
ReplyDeleteIt's a true story, Linda. God bless you and yours.
Delete