The mother whose child was electrocuted at a birthday party refused to be consoled as she watched her little child go through so much pain fighting to stay alive. The parent who started a network of friends protesting to keep guns out of our streets knows the pain of losing a child to gun violence. They vow to continue their campaign until guns are taken out of the wrong hands. The young mother that prayed with us at the recent Solemn Novena won’t be able to keep up with her kids’ soccer games as she battles a discomforting and aggressive ovarian cancer.
Those Israelites who survived the Babylonian onslaught knew the pain and misery of living in a post-war community. Their discomfort and suffering is personified by the city of Jerusalem that has become a lonely and desolate place, weeping all night long with no one to comfort her (Lam. 1:1). In her affliction, Jerusalem remembers the good old days (Lam. 1:7). The Lord hears the city’s cry of distress and said “do not fear” (Lam. 3:55-57). Prophet Isaiah reassured the survivors that the Lord will extend prosperity to Jerusalem and its inhabitants like an overflowing river (Isaiah 66:12) and the Lord will comfort all those who mourn like a mother comforts a wailing child(Isaiah 66:13). God does not forsake those who cry out to him from their hearts.
The burden of daily life is pulling heavily on many shoulders, bringing discomfort, uneasiness and pain. Many people who face great challenges today find strength and resilience in their faith in God. They put their trust in God’s companionship. Those who put their trust in God are compared to Mount Zion; they can never be shaken by the pressures of life (Psalm 125:1). Just as mountains surround Jerusalem so the Lord surrounds those who trust in him (Psalm 125:2). The mother whose daughter was electrocuted at a party has a strong faith in God to save her daughter. The mother who is fighting ovarian cancer trusts that God is fighting alongside with her in this battle against cancer so that she can still be there for her young children. You should not forget that God promises to give us rest from the burden of daily living (Matt 11:28). The God who saw the affliction of the Israelites in Egypt and rescued them from Pharaoh’s grips (Exod. 3:7-10) sees your discomforting situation and will come to your help.
In spite of challenges we face, we should trust in God’s power to bring us comfort and relief from the burdens of daily life. Those who visit the National Shrine of St. Jude, and all those who send in their prayer requests trust in God’s power to hear their cry for help. They show confidence in God’s unfailing love and goodness, and in the intercessory power of St. Jude Thaddeus. The National Shrine of St. Jude will remain a place of prayer, gratitude and companionship to those who seek divine providence in their lives. Together we shall continue to encourage ourselves to hope in God’s help because when the world around us is crumbling, God alone will comfort us.
Father Ferdinand Okorie, C.M.F.
National Shrine of St. Jude
Chicago, Illinois
Please pray to St. Jude for my husband, Marty, a VietNam and Desert Storm veteran who has just been diagnosed with ALS. This is a degenerative neuromuscular disease for which there is nor cure. it is fatal. He is a good, kind and humble man of faith. St. Jude, lay your loving hands on him and cure him of this dreaded disease. In God’s name, please heal him.
Please pray that Susan Goeden will receive a miracle and be cured of her lymphoma. Thank you.
l beg st.jude to protect me and children from the hand of our enemies. to provide job and to release all our blessings and favours. to forgive our sins.
That my prayers be granted . That I get cured from MS and that I never get any symptoms again. That I will be healthy to always keep up with my 2 boys. That I will be mobile and strong ro take care of my family, and parents. Please help and guide me.
Please pray that I get word soon I will be allowed to deploy in January and that I do well in my current job. Also, that I am lifted out of depression.
Please St. Jude this is my email,i beg this of You and Mary in the MOST HOLY DIVINE NAME of JESUS,Amen.
Please pray that AM gains strength and weight during the chemotherapy for Lymphoma. Thank you St Jude for positive signs after the first chemo. I beg you for a complete healing for AM.
thank you st jude…please help me through this one
My request is and prayers pale compared to Alice Duncan. My prayers are with you and your family.
My request is simple but feel hopeless lately. I need a job and I need to find the strength that is not in my body right now to find and keep that job.. I will put it in God’s hands and hopes that he will guide me and comfort me.
So true, the encouraging words above. “in spite of challenges we face, we should trust in God’s power…” I have trust in God, and God has responded to my prayers, healing my daughter, although she still has a long way to go God is still healing my husband from cancer. He’s prognosis is very good. Praised be God for His mercy. Special thanks to St. Jude for his intersession, and thanks to all of you Claretians that prayed for my loved ones and me. God Bless you.