United In Prayer

 

  I'm sure most of us were surprised by Pope Leo's XIV announcement of a lung nodule, surgery, and cancer diagnosis.  I want to encourage everyone to keep praying for his recovery. Cancer battles can vary in intensity.  Even when you win the battle, it can take a lot out of you. I'm no stranger to cancer.  It has come after me, my husband, my mother, and several of my siblings.  Sadly, we didn't win all the battles. Without prayer, the battle is brutally lonely and exhausting. You need Jesus to walk this road with you, and you definitely need your family rallying around you.

  I remember attending World Youth Day with my daughter in 2005. Pope John Paul II had just passed, and Pope Benedict XVI was leading the Church. It was an incredible adventure to be on a pilgrimage with a million Catholics from around the world. It was heartwarming to hear the crowds chanting "Papa! Papa!" for Pope Benedict XVI. It really hit home. Yes, we are all one family, just as God has designed.

  I can't begin to imagine how difficult being the Pope must be. The tremendous responsibility of leading flocks from different nations, languages, and customs must be overwhelming. It is difficult for any family to agree on any subject, especially in today's world. Imagine the faith, patience, holiness, and prayers required to unite all 1.4 billion of us. Yet we are all united through the Pope, through prayer, and through Jesus Christ in the sacraments, especially the Eucharist. I am so grateful for God's design to unite us all.

  Together, let's continue to pray for Pope Leo, seeking Mary's intercession. May God continue to strengthen him physically, mentally, and spiritually. May this one apostolic church lift up their Father in prayer so that he may continue to lead us beyond ourselves and beyond this world into the loving arms of Jesus.

-Susan