Allow me to mention two people who were touched by Saint Padre Pio, a colossal wonder-worker. Little Gemma, not having pupils, was born blind. Padre Pio miraculously healed her sight. She grew up to become a nun. Gemma had perfect sight for the rest of her life, although she still did not have pupils! Blind Salvatore was a long time friend of Padre Pio. When friends asked the Padre why he did not heal Salvatore, they were astonished by his answer. Padre Pio revealed that he could heal him, yet Salvatore had responded to an interior invitation from Jesus to offer up the blindness as a prayer. When asked about this, Salvatore confirmed that it was true. The Lord had something better in mind! In heaven this will make sense. Let me repeat: great faith and profound trust are needed. Our Father always wants what is good for us. It may not make sense until we get to heaven. Pray for the humility to be okay with this paradox.

I remember the example of my own mother. She once told me that cancer was the cure for her soul. When the Lord called her home, she was ready. What great faith and profound trust! So let us abandon our wants and pray for what we need, trusting that Jesus knows what is needed—even when we do not.

Pray, pray, pray

Fr. Luke Mary Fletcher, CFR