Light at the end of the Tunnel

A short reflection on the 7th Sunday after Pentecost.

As Jesus went on from there, two blind men followed him, calling out, “Have mercy on us, Son of David!” When he had gone indoors, the blind men came to him, and he asked them, “Do you believe that I am able to do this?” “Yes, Lord,” they replied. Then he touched their eyes and said, “According to your faith let it be done to you”; and their sight was restored. Jesus warned them sternly, “See that no one knows about this.” But they went out and spread the news about him all over that region. 

While they were going out, a man who was demon-possessed and could not talk was brought to Jesus. And when the demon was driven out, the man who had been mute spoke. The crowd was amazed and said, “Nothing like this has ever been seen in Israel.”

But the Pharisees said, “It is by the prince of demons that he drives out demons.”  Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. Mt 9:27-35

Firstly I would like to take this time to thank each and everyone for your prayers and support through the past several months. As most know, I was bed ridden for two months and in severe pain due to a back injury I sustained at the start of the year. Praise God, He has led my family and I out of the hardship we had to endured.

It may sound strange to some, however in some way I am glad the Lord allowed me to undergo this hardship because I can now relate to a person who is suffering due to a medical impairment; hopefully using my experience to help somewhat relieve an unpleasant situation and bring comfort in the name of Jesus our Lord and Saviour!

I like many others fell into a dark place. Most days spent in bed, I would often stare into nothingness and feel a sense of hopelessness and emptiness. Other days I would just sit there and cry. It was a very difficult time for me. I wasn't able to help my pregnant wife around the house, I couldn't be there for my children and to make things and an already difficult situation worse, I had lost all forms of income.

However, in the midst of all this, I am truly blessed to have such a supportive family that helped on so many levels; shopping, cleaning, school drop off and pick up and just being present for the emotional support.

On several occasions I was blessed to have our bishop serve the Divine Liturgy at my bedside; one of the most important things that gave me the hope I needed to not give up on life. Obviously, being in excruciating pain, I was unable to celebrate a Liturgy. It was impossible, so when the bishop came to celebrate at my bedside, it was the spiritual recharge my soul longed for and greatly thirst.

Throughout this whole ordeal my wife has been my rock. She has held everything together, whilst working part time and being pregnant. Moreover, she has truly fulfilled her vows to love and support me in sickness or in health. Marriage isn't always easy. At times it can be frustrating when the two are in disagreement about certain situations. However, when we don't allow anger or structuration to take over; high jacking our emotions, it's best to allow God to take the reins as it were. All things will be perfected through the All-Holy-Trinity! And of course it goes without saying, both parties must be on the same page for positive change to take place.

Thus, after surgery to my surprise, things became easier and easier. I could walk around with no pain, I could sit a the dinner table; enjoying a meal with my family. I could enjoy a coffee, sitting outside under the rays of the sun and even celebrated my first Liturgy in months. My life was slowly returning back to normal and the light (Jesus) began to shine bright into that dark place I was once in; dispersing all dark forces and negativity that temporarily bound me in shackles.

This just shows the importance of allowing God to be a part of your life and further being surrounded by people who love you and have your best interest at heart.

One of the lessons I can take from this experience is the importance of family and community. It is one of the most important things a person could invest their time and effort into. When people share a common goal or interest, they do everything humanly possible to lend a helping hand. And when a person is down in the dumps as it were, who else better to pull you out of the mud than family. (Biological family and also the Church family)

At the last Divine Liturgy, it brought me so much joy to see the once small community of 5, had now grown into something amazing. Parishioners spending time to get to know one another, laughing and sharing stories, experiences and knowledge. It's a real sense of community and it is authentic or as my Father-in-law would say it's the real McCoy!

Therefore, never be afraid to ask for help or afraid to offer the help for fear of pestering. Either way, it truly makes a world of a difference when pure love is shown. It's worth more than one could begin to imagine!

Once again, I would like to extend my appreciation and affection to all for your prayers and support.

Prayer for the sick

O Christ, Who alone are our Defender. Visit and heal Thy suffering servants, delivering them from sickness and grievous pain. Raise them up that they may sing to Thee and praise Thee without ceasing, through the prayers of the Holy Theotokos, Lord Jesus Christ our God have mercy on us and save us. Amen