Good Continues to Heal
A wise, seasoned Redemptorist once asked me, “Hey Binh, you know how to make God laugh?” Seeing my puzzled look, he then quipped, “Tell God your plan.”
Well, looking back on my life, I admit how true his quip is. “Human proposes, God disposes”—a lesson that I need to digest time and time again, including in my current shrine ministry where a request to tend a sick sibling evolved into being missioned by the EPC to this incredible Blessed F.X. Seelos ministry.
Here, God, through Seelos, has revealed to me a storeroom of delightful experiences. I often encounter pilgrims being overwhelmed by evil conditions (i.e., cancer, deportation, addictions). Their burdens are heartbreaking. Yet, I also witness the deep beauty and power of divine grace. God restores life—smiles, dignity, trust— to so many people, and so many families.
Through Seelos, God continues to heal broken, crumbling bodies. A recent mystery of grace that befuddles medical experts: an elder was afflicted with life-ending kidney failure. Before leaving Lousiana for an expensive oversea transplant, he was prayed over with a Seelos mission cross and relic. Afterwards he went in for a checkup, to obtain necessary medical records for the transplant. His doctors, lo and behold, now discovered a healthy, functioning kidney that no longer needed replacement. This grace-filled man, at this writing, has resumed every normal aspect and pace of daily life. Thanks be to God, by way of intercession from Seelos!
Seelos not only interceeds in the healing of broken bodies but even more so of sagging spirits or wearied souls. And Seelos reaches individuals as well as communities. Another grace: a dying young man called his extended family in for a “farewell visit.” Before his serious illness, he’d been known as a practicing “none”— no religion, no faith, no one else. Sickness changed him. It led him trekking away from those “nones” to a wondering mortality and yearning for God. Long story short, he slowly believed in “grace,” and practiced it! During this family gathering, he suddenly said, “Y’all please take care; I got to go.” Caught by surprise, people asked him where he was going. He replied, “Fr. Seelos is waiting for me at the door.” In a short while, he died…peacefully! He was healed, spirit and soul! And so also was his extended family— faith strengthened, unity renewed! All that grace, thanks to the intercession of Seelos.
Well, confreres and friends, if the above stories sound “too good to be true,” it is because they are. They are good AND true, because they are GRACE, pure and simple! Seelos has a way to channel God’s healing grace to the needy!
Seelos is amazing!! His wholesome piety, cheerful compassion, and gentle patience inspire me. I’ve been increasingly seduced by this holy man of God! I’m proud to call him “my confrere.” I’m grateful to learn from and imitate him. God knows how much I continue in need of practicing Seelos virtues. God’s wise plan now—I accept I am meant to be here!
Fr. Binh Ta, C.Ss.R.
Redemptorists of the Denver Province
In This Issue:
An Interview with Fr. Thomas Santa
Fr. McAndrew Published on the Challenges of Human Mobility
Mary Lous Darnell Recognized by Redemptorists
Canonization of Blessed Francis Seelos
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