The Greatest Love, the Greatest Sacrifice

On the 6th day of my recuperation from the left eye cataract operation done on May 25, 2023, I recited my rosary, The Sorrowful Mysteries, at dawn. Since a few days before the operation, I refrained from reading my prayer book so as not to tire my eyes.

As I slowly prayed meditating on the mysteries, I was always stuck up with the passion of Christ until His death. Then I would tell myself Lord show us the extent of the pain you have endured as a human person. Only few humans have endured that too. It is a mystery that you chose such painful way to die for our salvation.

Then came this added idea. The greatest suffering could be endured if caused by a higher value. This is love. This love of God is greatest. His love for us made Him endure His great pain. Such love which God put in our heart and soul produced many martyrs. I cannot attempt to feel the pain they suffered when confronted with the threat of losing their faith. This is tremendous pain. They died for the love of Christ, our Lord. They chose death.

We, humans are gifted with life on earth. This life is not ours, it belongs to our God who created us. Not owning our lives, we must protect it and live it according to His will. This means that moments for celebrations and happiness must be savored as we also accept moments to suffer when called for. Many of us affirm that we are relieved if we call on God to be with us at the time of sadness, despair, sickness, depression, temptations and other low moments. Quality life could mean integrating spirituality in our worldly existence. For both in joy and sorrow, we invite Jesus to be with us.

Praying to God to stay with us during our painful moment could be further lightened if we offer our sufferings for the people we love especially when they are in need of prayer. This works with me so well. It makes me closer not only to God but to the people who need my prayerful help. If our ordinary prayer is powerful, how much more if we add our suffering for the intention. There are always some in the family asking for prayer or are in dire need of prayer. Imagine the added love you feel when you offer to God your pain.

When I was wheeled to the operating room, I thanked the Lord for the gift of life, the gift of skilled medical staff especially the doctors, the gift of being able to be operated on. I told Jesus that I believe He is closest to me since the operation is an operation, although short and painless. I offered my prayer also for others who I know have medical problems more than mine. I slept through the short operation not even feeling groggy when I woke up.

During the recuperation, I just kept on saying thank You Lord as my prayer of thanksgiving, welcoming the operation of the right eye ten days after the left eye operation.

Thank You Lord!