Psalm 62: “In you alone is my soul at rest. My help comes from you.”

A temporarily disabled limb, a cold or the flu, anything similar will do it. The center of the universe is moved. Imagine yourself as the speaker in italics. I suspect this will resonate with many of us.   

I know that Max is concerned about his eyesight because of macular degeneration. But what am I thinking about? When will I be able to use this leg?

I know that Joe is a quadriplegic and in constant pain and he is in my prayers, but that I cannot use my right leg is what is uppermost in my mind.

I know that Ted has just been diagnosed with multiple myeloma. But how’s my leg doing today?

I know that Liz has a crippling aneurysm. She cannot speak or raise her arms. But what am I thinking about? How long ‘till I can walk easily on both legs?

I know that Lou is struggling with dementia. As is his wife with his. But while I pray for her and her husband, my next thought is about poor me.

I know that Bill is a quadriplegic, only able to move his head and speak, but what concerns me? The fact that I do not have full use of my right leg!

I know that Sue is limping, her leg in a cast for a month or two. I remember her in prayer but immediately my prayer turns to me: how long will I be limited this way?

I remember the confined, the immobile; I do pray for them. But what’s my next thought? A more urgent one! About poor me!

My best ideals are gone with the wind and all that remains is me, me, me! Visit me and tell me all about your neighbor struggling with chemo  – and I will tell you what a disruption my disabled leg has been.   Don’t you worry!

Psalm 27: “I believe I shall see the Lord’s goodness / in the land of the living.

Wait for the Lord; be strong; / be stouthearted, and wait for the Lord!”

Reply to Fr. Don at: DTalafous@csbsju.edu

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